Maintaining Apical Patency Does Not Increase Postoperative Pain in Molars with Necrotic Pulp and Apical Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effect of sublingual fast-dissolving piroxicam premedication on postoperative pain experience in mandibular molars with non-vital pulp: a randomized double-blind controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of a preoperative, single dose sublingual fast-dissolving piroxicam (20 mg) compared to placebo on postoperative pain at rest (POP), on biting (POPB) and on percussion (POPer) after single-visit endodontic treatment of asymptomatic mandibular molars with non-vital pulp.

METHODS

Seventy patients randomly received either piroxicam or placebo 1 h before treatment (n = 35). Patients recorded their pain (POP and POPB) level 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 7 days postoperatively using an 11-point numerical rating scale; POPer was assessed after 7 days. Resuce-analgesic intake (RAI) and flare-up incidence (FUI) were recorded. Data were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Both groups had similar baseline characteristics (P > 0.05). Piroxicam showed less POP intensity and incidence than placebo at 6, 12 and 24 h, less POPB intensity and incidence at all timepoints, less POPer intensity and incidence and less RAI (p > 0.05), but similar FUI (P > 0.05). A significant rise in pain compared to baseline occurred with placebo from 6 to 72 h for POP and to 7 days with POPB (p > 0.05); such rise was not detected with piroxicam. POPB showed higher pain intensity than POP at all time points (p < 0.05). No swelling or adverse effects occured.

CONCLUSIONS

A preoperative single dose of sublingual fast-dissolving piroxicam can be effective in reducing spontaneous pain up to 24 h, stimulated pain up to 7 days, and RAI incidence in asymptomatic mandibular molars with non-vital pulp; it can prevent rise in POP and POPB postoperatively. Stimulated postoperative pain can be more severe and longer lasting than spontaneous pain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT03998826 (2019).

The effect of apical patency on postoperative pain following endodontic therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether apical patency increases postoperative pain after endodontic therapy. This study explored the degree and incidence of postoperative pain during root canal therapy, as well as the number of required analgesic doses. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and gray literature from the date of database inception until May 2023. RevMan 5.4 software was used for data analysis. Twelve studies were considered eligible for meta-analysis. The mean pain scores on days 1 (mean difference [MD] = -1.69) and 2 (MD = -0.85) differed significantly between the apical patency and non-patency groups. The odds for pain after 24 h were significantly lower (OR 0.59) in the apical patency group than in the non-patency group. Furthermore, the mean number of required analgesic doses was not significantly different between the two groups. In conclusion, apical patency significantly alleviated postoperative pain (low-quality evidence) and reduced the incidence of pain (moderate evidence). However, high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to validate these findings.

Effectiveness of root canal instrumentation for the treatment of apical periodontitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The development of endodontic instruments has rapidly advanced, but their impact on endodontic outcome parameters remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aimed to answer the following PICOT questions: In patients with apical periodontitis (P) what is the effectiveness of root canal instrumentation ([Q1] performed with contemporary techniques [I] in comparison with 'traditional' techniques [C]] and ([Q2] performed with contemporary engine-driven NiTi instruments [I] compared with other types of contemporary engine-driven NiTi instruments [with different design and/or technology] [C]) in terms of clinical and patient-related outcomes (O)?

METHODS

After PROSPERO protocol registration, a literature search was conducted using Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Grey literature and major journal contents were examined. Two independent reviewers performed the study selection, data extraction and appraisal of included studies. A quantitative meta-analysis was considered, and statistical heterogeneity and overall quality of evidence were assessed.

RESULTS

Nine studies were identified showing substantial methodological differences. Five studies addressed PICOT 1 and three PICOT 2, whereas one study aimed both. A random-effects meta-analysis model was considered for the outcome 'radiographic evidence of normal periodontal ligament space or reduction of apical lesion size' (PICOT 1) based on three studies with 332 evaluable participants and showed that contemporary instrumentation was associated with a more favourable outcome (p = .005) compared with root canal preparation with stainless steel instruments (odds ratio = 2.07 [95%-confidence interval = 1.25-3.44]) with no evidence of statistical heterogeneity (I2  = 0%) but low quality of evidence.

DISCUSSION

Albeit a few studies fulfilled eligible criteria, no study had a low risk of bias. Compelling evidence indicating significantly different outcome rates using different endodontic instruments when treating teeth with apical periodontitis is lacking.

CONCLUSIONS

In terms of healing, the results of the meta-analysis determined the higher effectiveness of root canal instrumentation performed with contemporary techniques in comparison with conventional stainless steel instruments in patients with apical periodontitis followed for a minimum of 1 year with low quality of evidence. No differences could be demonstrated between preparations with traditional stainless steel and contemporary NiTi instruments for other clinical and patient-related outcomes.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD42021274642).

The Effect of Patency Files on Apical Canal Anatomy Using SEM Imaging

Introduction

There are many reasons to maintain apical patency during routine endodontic treatment. Thousands of canals are treated utilizing a patency file every year all around the world. The effect patency has on the apical anatomy of the root has been controversial for generations.

Objective

This ex vivo descriptive study was created to show the effect patency files actually have on the apical root canal anatomy using visually detailed SEM images supported by dental radiographs.

Materials and Methods

Three extracted maxillary anterior teeth that represent the multitude of canals in vivo were instrumented utilizing patency files. Two of the three maxillary anterior teeth were instrumented with hand files, the other maxillary anterior tooth with a .06 taper rotary file. The teeth were then scanned with an electron microscope to view the effect that the instruments had on the apical canal anatomy. A fourth tooth, a maxillary second molar, was shaped with an .06 taper rotary file and cone fitted. This tooth was radiographed with a gutta percha cone fitted to reveal the position of the narrowest constriction after patency was achieved.

Results

The patency files, both hand files and rotary, were shown not to adversely affect the apical canal anatomy. Additionally, the SEM's revealed a precise demarcation of cementum to dentin which was at the root surface after patency was achieved.

Conclusion

The patent use of greater tapered rotary files provides a clear demarcation of the CDJ which allows a precise acquisition of the narrowest constriction of the canal with the use of an electronic apex locator for establishing the ideal working length and precision placement of a gutta percha cone.

Quantitative Assessment of Apically Extruded Debris after Single-Files Supplemental Retreatment considering Apical Patency Influence: In Vitro Study

Objective

This study aims to assess the impact of re-establishing apical patency on the quantity of debris extruded through the apex after three supplementary retreatment files (TruNatomy (TRN), WaveOne Gold (WOG), and XP endo Finisher R (XPFR)).

Materials and Methods

Eighty single-rooted mandibular premolars were prepared with ProTaper Universal rotary systems (PTU) up to F3 and obturated. The samples were divided into two main groups according to the presence or absence of the apical patency (n = 40), GI with apical patency and GII without apical patency. Based on the file system, which was adopted to eliminate the previous filling, each group had four subgroups (n = 10). In GI PTUR and GII PTUR, ProTaper Universal retreatment files (PTUR) were utilized only to remove the most primary filling material (control groups). In the other groups (PTUR) used, it was first followed by supplementary files. The quantity of debris extruded by different retreatment file systems was determined and compared to the corresponding control group with or without apical patency. Data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA with a post hoc Tukey's multiple comparison test at a 5% significance level.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference among the control and experimental groups. XPFR had the least quantity of extruded debris. Apical patency did not affect the debris extrusion.

Conclusion

All tested files led to a significant apical debris extrusion regardless of apical patency.

Postoperative pain intensity and incidence following single visit root canal treatment with different obturation techniques: a randomized clinical trial

Background

There are few studies in the literature about the effect of obturation techniques on postoperative pain. Besides, GuttaFlow2 was used for the first time in this study regarding postoperative pain. This study aimed to compare the postoperative pain levels and incidence following single-visit root canal treatment with different canal filling techniques; cold lateral compaction (CLC), thermoplasticised solid-core carrier (GuttaCore) based filling and cold free-flow compaction (GuttaFlow2) technique.

Methods

The patients (n = 93) having single-rooted teeth with a single canal diagnosed with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis or single-rooted vital teeth with a single canal requiring endodontic treatment because of prosthetic reasons were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized into three groups (n = 31) according to the obturation technique. A single operator performed all the treatments in a single visit. Data on obturation levels, postoperative pain and analgesic intake frequency were recorded at postoperative 6, 12 and 24 h and daily afterward until the 7^th day. Postoperative pain was measured by visual analogue scale (VAS). The date were statistically analyzed with chi-squared tests (for the analyses of the categorical data), the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test (for the comparisons of VAS score) and with the Friedman test (for the assessments of the changes in VAS scores over time).

Results

The GuttaCore group recorded the higher pain levels, except first 12 h, on the other hand, the GuttaFlow2 group recorded the lower pain levels at all time periods. Significant differences occurred among the groups during the first 4 days (p < 0.05), except at 12 h (p = 0.054). The patients in the CLC and GuttaFlow2 groups did not need to use the prescribed analgesic; however, one patient in the GuttaCore group used it once.

Conclusions

Postoperative pain levels following root canal therapy were affected by the obturation technique especially first 4 days following obturation.

Endodontic postoperative flare-up: An update

Endodontic treatment corresponds to a combined chemical and mechanical approach, followed by a three dimensional hermetic obturation, that eliminate the pulpal and periradiculare disease and boost healing and repair of periradiculare tissue. Despite the advances in the endodontic field, the inter-appointment flare up remains a true nightmare that encounters every dentist. This complication commences a few hours or days after root canal procedures and it is characterized by the development of pain and/or swelling, requiring an unscheduled appointment for emergency treatment. Different studies showed that flare-ups represent a multifactorial phenomenon including mechanical, chemical and microbial factors. In addition, a correlation was found between flare-up and age, gender, tooth type, presence of preoperative pain, tooth condition before treatment, irrigation techniques, number of visits as well as intracanal medication. Moreover, some medicine intake was proved to be efficient in controlling this postoperative pain. However, a clear procedure to avoid its occurrence is yet to be established. In this review, we summarize knowledge about the etiology of flare-up and its related factors. This could be effective in helping dentists to adapt some strategies to prevent it.

Postoperative Pain following Root Canal Filling with Bioceramic vs. Traditional Filling Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate postoperative pain (POP) following root canal filling (RCF) with gutta-percha/bioceramic sealer (BCS) vs. gutta-percha/traditional sealer (TS) techniques. Electronic databases were searched for randomized trials. Subgroup analyses were performed for analgesic intake, flare-ups, postoperative time (24/48 h), pulp status, and retreatment. The search yielded 682 records, and nine studies were selected. BCS was associated with significantly lower POP vs. TS at 24 h (P = 0.04) and 48 h (P = 0.0005). In addition, non-significant trends favoring BCS for analgesic intake at 24 h (P = 0.14), flare-ups (P = 0.24) and obturation techniques at 24 h (P = 0.41) and 48 h (P = 0.33), non-significant trends for lower POP with TS vs. BCS 24 h and 48 h in vital teeth (P = 0.50, P = 0.18, respectively), and for lower POP with BCS vs. TS in non-vital teeth at 24 h and 48 h (P = 0.16, P = 0.84, respectively). POP was numerically lower with TS vs. BCS at 24 h (P = 0.65) and 48 h after retreatment (P = 0.59). Moreover, POP did not vary between fillers when the treatment was over single (P = 0.28) or multiple visits (P = 0.50). BCS was associated with significantly lower short-term POP, and with a trend for lower analgesic intake and flare-up incidence, as compared to TS.

Incidence of postoperative pain after single-visit and multiple-visit root canal therapy: A randomized controlled trial

Background

Short-term complications after root canal therapy (RCT) include mild pain or flare-up. Patients regard these complications as a benchmark for the assessment of clinician's abilities. In this context, the evidence for recommending either one- or two-visit RCT is not consistent.

Aims

This study aims to compare the prevalence of postoperative pain and tenderness to percussion after single-visit (SV) versus two-visit RCT on the mandibular first molar.

Materials and Methods

The study was registered with www.ctri.nic.in (CTRI/2019/05/019067). Seventy individuals requiring RCT on a mandibular first molar were selected and randomly ascribed to either single- (Group 1, n = 35) or two-visit RCT (Group 2, n = 35). Postoperative pain levels were assessed using heft parker visual analog scale. The treated teeth were appraised for tenderness to percussion after 1 week of obturation.

Statistical Analysis

Thirty-four patients were evaluated in each group: One patient, each, dropped out from both the groups. The data analysis was done using Student's t-test and Chi-square test.

Results and Conclusion

Pain score in multiple-visit (MV) was significantly higher than SV after 12- (P = 0.039) and 48 h (P = 0.043). Short-term postoperative pain was higher in MV than SV RCT of mandibular first molar teeth.

Influence of maintaining apical patency in post-endodontic pain

BACKGROUND

The concept of instrumentation beyond the apical foramen by small flexible file to prevent apical blockage is apical patency. However, this procedure might endow postoperative pain, thus to maintain apical patency or not is the matter of dilemma. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to compare postoperative pain between apical patency and non-patency groups and secondary objective was to evaluate the influence of number of visits, vitality of teeth, group of teeth and preoperative pain on post-operative pain.

METHODS

Preselected (n = 178) patients based on group of teeth and status of pulp were randomly divided into 2 groups, apical patency and non-patency which was further treated in either single or multiple visits. After exclusion, 160 patients were included. Each group (n = 80) was subdivided in single visit (n = 40) and multiple visits (n = 40), including vital (n = 20) and non-vital teeth (n = 20) and single-rooted (n = 10) and multiple-rooted teeth (n = 10). Apical patency was maintained with a size 10 K-file during conventional hand filing step-back shaping procedure. Intensity of pain was recorded before treatment and on days 1, 2, and 7 after treatment using Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-11). Statistical analysis was done using Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman correlation and Multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

The primary outcome of this study showed statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in postoperative pain scores between patency and non-patency groups with higher pain scores in patency group on 1st, 2nd and 7th day follow up. The secondary outcome showed postoperative pain in patency-maintained group was influenced by status of the pulp and preoperative pain only. Vital teeth of patency-maintained group treated in multiple visits showed statistically significant (p = 0.02) post-operative pain in day 1 follow up. Pre-operative pain showed positive correlation with postoperative pain with statistically significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study concluded that maintenance of apical patency increased postoperative pain. Evaluation of influence of number of visits, status of pulp, group of tooth and preoperative pain revealed status of pulp and preoperative pain as influencing factors for postoperative pain in patency group.

In Vivo Evaluation of Painful Symptomatology after Endodontic Treatment Performed Using Two Different Irrigation Needle Insertion Depths

Objective  The main purpose of this study was to evaluate pain symptoms in patients after endodontic treatment performed in a single session in teeth with vitality or pulp necrosis, comparing two depths of insertion of the NaviTip irrigation needle.

Materials and Methods  One-hundred upper uniradicular teeth were selected and divided into four groups ( n = 25), namely Bio group 1 (live pulp/1 mm from the foramen), Bio group 3 (live pulp/3 mm from the foramen), Necro group 1 (pulp necrosis/1 mm from the foramen), and Necro group 3 (pulp necrosis/3 mm from the foramen). All canals were instrumented with Wave One Gold System. Irrigation was performed using 2.5% NaOCl. The teeth were filled using the single-cone technique with AH Plus sealer using a McSpadden compactor. After treatment, patients answered a questionnaire with a visual analog scale scored from 0 to 10 at 1, 3, and 7 days after treatment.

Statistical Analysis  Data were analyzed using Mann–Whitney U, Wilcoxon, and Friedman tests.

Results  There was a decrease in average pain levels at the three time points for both vital and necrotic teeth ( p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in postoperative pain levels comparing needle depth, or vitality and pulp necrosis ( p > 0.05). The percentage of mild pain increased over time and moderate pain decreased, regardless of pulp condition. There was no incidence of acute pain at any time.

Conclusions  Post-treatment endodontic pain levels in upper uniradicular teeth with or without pulp vitality resulted in similar pain scores, regardless of the depth of insertion of the irrigation needle in relation to the apical foramen.

Evaluation of postoperative sensitivity in restorations with self-adhesive resin: a randomized split-mouth design controlled study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the postoperative sensitivity of restorations with self-adhesive resin composite (SAC) (Vertise Flow (VER)/Kerr) compared with conventional resin composite with self-etching adhesive (Filtek Z250 (Z250)/3M ESPE; Clearfil SE Bond (CSEB)/Kuraray).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized, controlled, double-blind, split-mouth, two-arm clinical trial was conducted. Twenty-seven volunteers with third molars indicated for extraction received two deep class I restorations, one with each material. Postoperative sensitivity was measured at 24 h and 15 or 30 days after the restorative procedures using a visual analog scale (VAS). When present, information on the characteristics of the pain was also collected. The data were submitted to the McNemar test (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

Regardless of the time intervals, the postoperative sensitivity was observed in 52% and 48% of the CSEB and VERT groups, respectively (p = 1.000). When the evaluation periods were analyzed, the 15-day evaluation presented the highest occurrence of pain, but of mild intensity, in both groups. All patients with sensitivity reported that the pain was localized and of short duration.

CONCLUSION

Self-adhesive resin composite Vertise Flow and conventional resin composite with a self-etching bonding agent promoted similar response regarding postoperative sensitivity in deep class I cavities. When postoperative sensitivity was present, mild pain was observed, especially after 15 days of the restorative procedure, which decreased over time.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Postoperative sensitivity to self-adhesive resin composite (SAC) restorations in deep cavities was comparable with that of conventional restorations with a self-etching bonding agent.

Effect of Apical Patency on Postoperative Pain: A Meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the available evidence regarding the effect of apical patency versus nonpatency on postendodontic pain in adult patients.

METHODS

The study adhered strictly to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE via Ovid, Google Scholar, and the Web of Science databases were searched up to April 2018 to retrieve the most relevant studies. Two authors evaluated the studies for eligibility criteria and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane tool. The weighted means were calculated using a fixed effects model. When statistically significant (P < .1) heterogeneity was detected, a random effects model was used to assess the significance of treatment effects.

RESULTS

Five studies were identified for this systematic review; 4 were included in the meta-analyses. Two studies revealed a low risk of bias, whereas 3 studies revealed a high risk of bias. Because of the significant heterogeneity between studies, a random effects model was used. The meta-analysis showed that the apical patency resulted in less postoperative pain compared with nonpatency, but the difference was not statistically significant. Moreover, no statistically significant difference was found with regard to analgesic consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the limitations of this study, it was concluded that maintaining apical patency during routine endodontic treatment was not associated with an increased incidence of postoperative pain in adult patients.

Does Maintaining Apical Patency during Instrumentation Increase Postoperative Pain or Flare-up Rate after Nonsurgical Root Canal Treatment? A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

INTRODUCTION

The concept of maintaining apical patency (AP) is a controversial issue in endodontics. The primary objectives of this systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were to determine the influence of maintaining AP during instrumentation on postoperative pain severity and the prevalence of flare-ups. A second objective was to assess the effect of maintaining AP on the use of analgesics.

METHODS

RCTs and controlled clinical trials were searched for in MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and the Cochrane Library. Four reviewers independently screened all identified articles for eligibility. The included studies were assessed for bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to rate the quality of the body of evidence. Because of the considerable heterogeneity of the studies, a meta-analysis was not possible. Therefore, the results were analyzed narratively.

RESULTS

Five RCTs that included a total of 848 patients were found eligible and included in the review. An assessment of the risk of bias in the included studies provided results that classified the studies as showing a low risk (n = 1), high risk (n = 1), or unclear risk (n = 3) of bias. The available evidence indicated that maintaining AP (1) did not increase postoperative pain in teeth with nonvital pulp, (2) did not increase postoperative pain in teeth with vital pulp, and (3) did not cause (0%) flare-ups. The available evidence also indicated that maintaining AP did not increase analgesic use. The available evidence indicated that maintaining AP did not increase postoperative pain when a single-visit or 2-visit root canal treatment approach was used.

CONCLUSIONS

In light of the current evidence, maintaining AP does not increase postoperative pain in teeth with vital/nonvital pulp when compared with nonapical patency (low to moderate quality evidence). Furthermore, maintaining AP did not cause flare-ups (low evidence) and did not increase analgesic use (moderate evidence).