Postobturation pain and associated factors in adolescent patients undergoing one- and two-visit root canal treatment

Abstract 

Objectives

This prospective study evaluated the frequency and intensity of postobturation pain and associated factors in adolescents undergoing one- and two-visit root canal treatment.

Methods

121 patients aged 11–18 years presenting with molars with pulp necrosis were assigned randomly into two treatment groups: one- and two-visit (including interappointment dressing with calcium hydroxide paste). The canals of all teeth were prepared using a preflaring (2/3 middle-cervical) and step-back (1/3 apical) preparation techniques and filled with laterally compacted gutta-percha and sealer. Postobturation pain was recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS) of 0–5. Data were statistically analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

The frequencies of postobturation pain were 10.5% (6/57) in the one-visit group and 23.0% (14/61) in the two-visit group. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups (p=0.07). The intensity of the pain was similar in both groups, particularly flare-ups, with a prevalence of 1.75% in the one-visit group and 1.65% in the two-visit group. Postobturation pain was significantly associated with the presence of preoperative pain (p=0.04; OR=3.54; CI 95%=1.02–12.30) and a positive culture at the time of obturation (p=0.00; OR=9.43; CI 95%=2.93–30.35).

Conclusions

Postobturation pain was more present in the two-visit group, but was not statistically significant. The intensity of postobturation pain was similar. Effective microbiological control and the presence of preoperative pain may influence the postobturation pain in adolescents.

Keywords: Adolescents, Endodontics, Molar, Postobturation pain, Pulp necrosis, Root canal treatment