Postendodontic Pain Using Single File System with Different Irrigation Protocols in Single-visit Root Canal...

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Pain Management
• Irrigation Techniques

Background:

• Postendodontic pain (PEP) is a common complication following root canal treatment.
• Optimizing final irrigation protocols is crucial for minimizing PEP.
• Single-visit endodontics (SVE) aims for efficient root canal therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of three final irrigation techniques in managing PEP during SVE.
• To evaluate postendodontic pain intensity using side-vented needle (SV), EndoActivator (EA), and Ultra X (UX) irrigation methods.
• To assess the impact of irrigation protocols on analgesic intake.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 150 patients undergoing SVE with F-One rotary files.
• Patients were divided into three groups based on final irrigation: SV, EA, or UX.
• Postendodontic pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours post-treatment.

Main Results:

• Significantly lower PEP was observed in the Ultra X (UX) and EndoActivator (EA) groups compared to the side-vented needle (SV) group at 6 and 12 hours (p < 0.05).
• No statistically significant difference in PEP was found between the groups at 24 and 48 hours.
• Analgesic intake was similar across all three irrigation groups.

Conclusions:

• EndoActivator and ultrasonic (UX) irrigation, combined with single rotary file systems, resulted in minimal postendodontic pain.
• The choice of irrigation method impacts early postendodontic pain intensity in SVE.
• Further research may explore long-term pain differences and patient-reported outcomes.