Comparison Between Two Instrumentation Techniques on Postoperative Pain and Level of Neuropeptides

Background: Post-operative pain (POP) remains a significant challenge after root canal treatment. A recent approach emphasizes objective pain assessment by measuring neuropeptides like substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments have largely replaced manual stainless-steel files, improving efficiency, maintaining original root canal anatomy and reducing errors. Advances such as controlled memory (CM) files help minimize debris extrusion, potentially lowering POP. A fully rotary approach, eliminating the need for manual scouting and glide path creation, could offer a faster, more predictable alternative. This approach could be named as manual-less technique.

Aim: This study compares between manual-less instrumentation technique (excluding scouting and glide path step) versus conventional rotary instrumentation technique on the post operative pain and release of SP and CGRP.

Materials and methods: A total of 34 permanent molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and apical periodontitis will be included in this study. They will be randomly divided into 2 groups (n=17): group I(manual-less): canal preparation using Dota rotary files escaping scouting and glide path step and Group II (conventional): canal preparation using Dota rotary files with prior scouting and glide path with hand files. Elisa analysis will be done for measuring level of SP and CGRP before and after instrumentation.

Analysis: All data will be collected and statistically analyzed with the appropriate statistical tests.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and apical periodontitis in mandibular molars with closed apex.(17)
• Healthy males and females (Category: American Society of Anesthesiologists class I).
• Age of patients range from 18 to 50 years old.
• Those who could understand the use of the numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain.
• In cases where radiographs show no root resorption or abnormal anatomy.
• Patients with good oral hygiene and free from periodontal diseases.

Exclusion criteria

• Allergy to anesthetics.
• Pregnancy
• Unrestorable teeth.
• Patient on analgesics.
• Prescence of root resorption or abnormal anatomy.