Impact of root canal preparation performed by ProTaper Next or Reciproc on the quality of life of patients: a randomized clinical trial.

Abstract

To compare the impact of the two different root canal preparation systems on the quality of life of patients and correlate postoperative pain with the impact on quality of life. A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 58 patients allocated into two groups based on the root canal preparation system employed: ProTaper Next (PN) or Reciproc (R). Data collection involved the administration of a questionnaire addressing demographic and clinical characteristics, the OHIP-14 (quality of life) and a visual analog scale (pain). The latter two were the outcomes of interest and were administered in the first 24h after root canal treatment. The data were submitted to descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis, Poisson univariate and multiple regression, and Spearman's correlation test, with a 5% significance level. A greater frequency of impact after treatment was found for the items 'uncomfortable to eat food' and 'felt self-conscious'. No significant difference between groups was found regarding the severity of impact for total OHIP-14 score or any of the domain scores. The two root canal preparation systems exerted a similar impact on quality of life. Postoperative pain was correlated with impact on quality of life, affecting chewing function, self-consciousness and stress. Thus, it is important for dentists to provide care capable of preventing or treating the negative consequences of such therapy.