Abstract
BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the effect of a 980-nm diode laser following chemomechanical root canal preparation on the severity of post-operative pain (PP) after root canal treatment (RCT).MethodsThis study included asymptomatic, single-rooted teeth with a periapical index (PAI) score of 3 or 4. All the patients received RCT, including dressing with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), during two visits. The patients were randomly divided into two groups (n:30): a control group, in which the final irrigation was performed using 5 ml of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI), followed by 5 ml of 17% and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 5 ml of distilled water, and a laser group, in which the root canals were irradiated using a 980-nm diode laser after the final irrigation at both visits. The pain levels after both visits were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) after 8 h, 24 h, 48 h and 7 d. In addition, the time intervals to medication intake were recorded. The collected data were statistically analysed using the chi-square and Mann–Whitney U test (p < 0.05).ResultsThe average pain level in the control group 24 h after the first visit was significantly higher than that in the laser group (p < 0.05). The average pain level 24 h and 48 h after the second visit was significantly higher in the control group (p < 0.05). The levels of PP 24 h after the first visit were higher than those after the second visit only in the control group (p < 0.05). After the first visit, analgesic use in the control group was significantly higher after 8 h (40%) and 24 h (23%) as compared with that in the laser group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsRoot canal irradiation with a diode laser may reduce PP after RCT in single-rooted teeth with a PAI score of 3 or 4.Trial registration: Effect of the Diode Laser on Post-operative Pain After Endodontic Treatment in Teeth with Apical Periodontitis: NCT04486196. Registered 24 July 2020—Retrospectively registered, http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04486196
Highlights
This study aimed to assess the effect of a 980-nm diode laser following chemomechanical root canal preparation on the severity of post-operative pain (PP) after root canal treatment (RCT)
The aetiology of PP is primarily associated with the extrusion of microorganisms and their products to the periapical area via over-instrumentation or irrigation solutions [4, 5]
Due to its limited penetration capability caused by inadequate irrigation dynamics, NaOCl may not always eliminate microorganisms in difficult to reach areas, including dentinal tubules of root canals [7, 8]
Summary
This study aimed to assess the effect of a 980-nm diode laser following chemomechanical root canal preparation on the severity of post-operative pain (PP) after root canal treatment (RCT). Post-operative pain (PP), which causes discomfort, is a frequent occurrence after root canal treatment (RCT). Many factors, including mechanical, chemical and microbial, can cause pain after endodontic procedures, whether root canal obturation or intra-canal medicament application. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is the most frequently used irrigation solution due to its extensive antimicrobial activity and ability to dissolve organic material [6]. Due to its limited penetration capability caused by inadequate irrigation dynamics, NaOCl may not always eliminate microorganisms in difficult to reach areas, including dentinal tubules of root canals [7, 8]. A number of studies have advised the combined application of NaOCl and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for elimination of the smear layer [10, 11], with this combination been demonstrated to be more effective in terms of disinfection than NaOCl alone [12]
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