Postoperative Pain After Endodontic Retreatment Using Different Rotary or Reciprocating Instruments: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

Postoperative pain (PP) is not a certain reason for the long term success of root canal treatment. However, PP control is important for patient comfort and satisfaction. Apical extrusion of debris containing dentin, necrotic pulp tissue, microorganisms, and/or irrigation solutions may occur during retreatment procedures which may result in the induction of periapical inflammation, postoperative pain, and delayed periapical healing. All available techniques and instruments are associated with apical extrusion of debris to some degree during the root canal preparation or removal of the obturation materials. The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the incidence, intensity and duration of postoperative pain following the removal of root canal obturation materials canals using rotary or reciprocating file systems.

Patients referred for non-surgical endodontic retreatment were included. Hundred and eighty cases were selected on the basis of the determined inclusion criteria and randomly allocated to four groups (n = 45).

ProTaper Universal group D1, D2 and D3 files were used respectively with a full rotational motion with a endodontic motor until working was reached as recommended by the manufacturer.

Hylex EDM group Hylex EDM files were used with a full rotational motion with a endodontic motor until the working was reached.

Reciproc Blue group R25 files were used with a reciprocating motion using with the "RECIPROC ALL" mode with a slow in-and-out pecking motion, and the amplitude of pecking movements did not exceed 3 mm until the working lenght was reached.