Post-Operative Pain Following Single Visit Endodontics in Vital and Non-Vital Teeth by Using M3 Larger Taper Gold File System

Original Article

Abstract

Background: Root canal treatment can cause postoperative pain, which varies depending on pulpal status. This study evaluated the postoperative pain after single-visit endodontic treatment with the M3 Larger Taper Gold file system in vital and non-vital teeth.

Objective: To evaluate the intensity of postoperative pain and the need for analgesics in vital and non-vital teeth following single-visit endodontic treatment with the M3 Larger Taper Gold system.

Methodology: A Cross-Sectional Study was carried out on 173 patients who were treated with single-visit endodontics. Patients were classified into the vital tooth group (n=87) and the non-vital tooth group (n=86). Root canals were prepared using the M3 Larger Taper Gold rotary system, followed by irrigation, obturation, and coronal restoration during the same appointment. We used a numeric rating scale to assess pain at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery. Consumption of analgesics was also documented. The data were analyzed in SPSS using independent-samples t-tests and chi-square tests. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The overall mean age was 36.8 ± 10.7 years. Mean age was 35.9 ± 10.2 years in vital and 37.7 ± 11.1 years in non-vital groups (p=0.276). Mean pain scores were significantly higher in non-vital teeth at 6 hours (3.8 ± 1.6 vs. 3.2 ± 1.4; p=0.012), 12 hours (3.2 ± 1.5 vs. 2.7 ± 1.3; p=0.018), 24 hours (2.4 ± 1.3 vs. 1.9 ± 1.1; p=0.009), 48 hours (1.4 ± 1.0 vs. 1.0 ± 0.9; p=0.006), and 72 hours (0.6 ± 0.7 vs. 0.4 ± 0.6; p=0.041). Analgesic use was also greater in non-vital teeth (p=0.021).

Conclusion: With SVE staggered at 3 months between visits, the M3 Larger Taper Gold system produced progressively less postoperative pain. Non-vital teeth showed significantly more pain and analgesic needs, especially during the early postoperative period.