Postoperative pain of minimally invasive root canal treatment:a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

This randomized clinical trial compared postoperative pain between a minimally invasive (MP) and conventional root canal treatment protocol (CP). A total of 170 mature permanent teeth (either with vital or necrotic pulp), were randomly assigned into two groups. In the CP group, ProTaper Gold (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and a continuous wave of condensation technique were used, whereas, in the MP group, TruNatomy (Dentsply Sirona), ultrasonic-assisted irrigation (UI), calcium hydroxide, and a sealer-based obturation technique were used. Patients recorded preoperative and postoperative pain using a 0-10 numerical rating scale (NRS) at 4 h, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days after instrumentation and 1 day after canal obturation, respectively. There were no significant differences in pain intensity at any time points assessed between the two groups (p > 0.05). The occurrence of moderate/intense pain after instrumentation was significantly associated with preoperative periapical index (PAI) (p = 0.017) and NRS scores (p < 0.001). Preoperative pulp status (p = 0.009) and NRS score (p = 0.006) were identified as significant factors in the occurrence of moderate/intense pain after obturation. Instrumentation unequivocally reduced pain severity for both groups. The post-endodontic pain associated with the use of MP, combined with UI, Ca(OH)2, and calcium-silicate cement, did not differ from that of CP. Preoperative pain score, PAI, and preoperative pulp status were determined to be prognostic factors for postoperative pain.