BackgroundThis randomized clinical trial compared postoperative pain between a minimally invasive (MP) and conventional root canal treatment protocol (CP).
MethodsA 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 (CH), 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.
ResultsThere were no signi cant 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 signi cantly 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 identi ed as signi cant factors in the occurrence of moderate/intense pain after obturation.
ConclusionsInstrumentation unequivocally reduced pain severity for both groups. The post-endodontic pain associated with the use of MP, combined with UI, CH, 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.