Effect of DCS on Post-Endodontic Pain

This randomized, triple-blind, parallel-group clinical trial included 90 patients aged 18-60 years with a single mandibular molar diagnosed with symptomatic apical periodontitis. Sample size was calculated based on a priori power analysis to detect significant differences in post-endodontic pain, resulting in 30 participants per group.

All endodontic procedures were performed by a single clinician under local anesthesia. After tooth isolation and access cavity preparation, working length was determined using K-files and an apex locator, verified radiographically. Chemomechanical preparation was performed using Reciproc files according to canal dimensions. Irrigation was performed using 2.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA, followed by canal drying.

Patients were randomly assigned to three groups according to the intracanal medicament:

Group 1 (CH): 1 g Calcium Hydroxide mixed with 1 mL distilled water Group 2 (DCS): 1 g Diclofenac Sodium mixed with 1 mL distilled water Group 3 (CH + DCS): 950 mg Calcium Hydroxide + 50 mg Diclofenac Sodium mixed with 1 mL distilled water The canals were sealed temporarily. Postoperative pain was recorded daily for 7 days using a 100 mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Patients also recorded the number of analgesic tablets taken. Pain assessments were conducted by a blinded researcher. For pain management, 400 mg ibuprofen was prescribed if needed, with contact support provided for severe pain.

At the second session, medicaments were removed, final irrigation was performed, canals were dried, and obturation was completed using a single-cone technique with gutta-percha and calcium silicate sealer. Teeth were restored with resin composite.

Inclusion criteria

• Age between 18 and 60 years
• Systemically healthy (ASA I-II)
• Diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis or symptomatic apical periodontitis in mandibular molars (characterized by spontaneous pain or prolonged pain in response to cold test, and presence of percussion sensitivity)
• Positive response to Electric Pulp Testing (EPT) and cold testing
• Periapical Index (PAI) score of 1 or 2 according to Ørstavik et al. (1986)
• Pre-operative pain level ≥50 mm on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), which ranges from 0 (no pain) to 100 (most severe pain)

Exclusion criteria

• History of psychiatric disorders
• Allergic reactions
• Pregnancy
• Use of analgesics within the previous 24 hours
• Use of antibiotics within the last 3 months
• Teeth with a sinus tract or history of abscess formation
• Periodontal pocket depth >3 mm
• Root resorption, root fractures, or ankylosis
• Previous root canal treatment on the selected tooth
• Teeth requiring prosthetic restoration