Comparative Evaluation of Postoperative Pain in Primary Teeth Obturated With Zinc Oxide Eugenol versus Metapex: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The fundamental objective of pulp treatment is to preserve the integrity and health of oral tissues. Pulp necrosis or irreversible pulpitis is the key indication for performing pulpectomy in primary teeth. It can be performed as a single-visit or multi-visit procedure using suitable obturating material. Various obturating materials can be used like zinc-oxide eugenol or metapex. A controversy reflects in literature and among experts in regard to single-visit or multi-visit endodontics. Hence, the purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to assess the incidence of postoperative pain with zinc oxide eugenol and metapex as an obturating material in single-visit and multiple-visit pulpectomy. The study was conducted at M S Ramaiah Dental College and Hospital, Bangalore in one year duration from 2020 to 2021. Two groups of children, forty in each group, aged between four to eight years, were included in the study. Groups were divided to perform single-visit and multi-visit endodontics with zinc-oxide eugenol and metapex as obturating material. The sample size of 40 were considered and allocated to respective group by concealment allocation. The conventional pulpectomy procedure was carried out. The post operative pain was assessed by using the pain scale through the telephonic conversation with the patient within 24 hours of treatment. Proportions were compared using Chi-square test of significance and the "p" value of less than 0.05 indicates statistical significance. The results showed, no statistically significant difference in teeth obturated with zinc oxide eugenol and metapex in both single-visit and multi-visit pulpectomy. The comparison of zinc oxide eugenol and metapex in single-visit group and multi-visit group had a 'p' value of 0.9233 and 0.4233 respectively. There were no differences between single and multi-visit treatment protocols with respect to the incidence of post operative pain. Single visit pulpectomy can be performed with added advantages with either zinc oxide eugenol or metapex.

Radiotherapy: Basic Concepts and Recent Advances

Radiation therapy (RT) is a clinical modality dealing with the use of ionizing radiations to treat malignant neoplasias (and occasionally benign diseases). Since its inception, the goal of RT has been to cure cancer locally without excessive side effects. The most important factors affecting the results of RT are the tumor type, its location and regional extent, the anatomic area of involvement and the geometric accuracy with which a calculated radiation dose is delivered. Although higher doses of radiation can produce better tumor control, the dosage which can be given is limited by the possibility of normal tissue damage. Approximately 60-65% of all cancer patients require RT as the sole treatment modality and / or in combination with surgery or chemotherapeutic drugs. There is a huge gap between demand and supply of radiotherapy facilities and infrastructure. Most of the oncocentres are located in urban areas in private sector and are beyond the reach of the common man.