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An Observational Study on Pain Occurrence After Root Canal Treatment: Role of Operator Experience When Using a
Mihai Merfea1, Ioana Sofia Pop-Ciutrila1, Mindra Eugenia Badea1
1Faculty of Dentistry, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|July 12, 2025
Summary
Operator experience did not significantly impact post-operative pain (POP) after root canal treatment when using a bioceramic sealer. Standardized protocols ensure minimal pain regardless of operator skill level.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Dental Materials Science
- Pain Management
Background:
- Post-operative pain (POP) is a frequent complication following root canal treatment.
- Clinical and patient factors influence POP incidence and intensity.
- Bioceramic sealers are increasingly used in endodontic procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate POP incidence and intensity after root canal treatment using a bioceramic sealer.
- To compare POP between operators with different experience levels (postgraduate students vs. endodontic specialists).
- To assess the impact of sealer extrusion on POP.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study with 115 patients.
- Standardized root canal treatment protocols in two appointments: instrumentation and obturation.
- Obturation using continuous wave condensation with Total Fill Hi-Flow BC Sealer (TFHF).
- POP, mastication discomfort, and sleep disturbance assessed using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at 24, 48, and 72 hours.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher POP occurred after the instrumentation phase compared to the obturation phase (p < 0.001).
- Pain intensity decreased over time for both phases.
- No significant differences in POP, discomfort, or sleep disturbance were found between postgraduate student and endodontic specialist groups.
- Sealer extrusion did not significantly affect POP (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Operator experience does not significantly influence POP when standardized protocols are followed.
- The use of TFHF with continuous wave condensation technique is associated with minimal post-operative pain.
- Standardized endodontic procedures may mitigate pain variability related to operator skill.
