Influence of Maintaining Apical Patency on Post-Endodontic Pain in Molars

BACKGROUND: Post-operative pain remains a significant challenge in endodontics, impacting patient satisfaction. The clinical practice of maintaining apical patency-passively keeping the apical foramen patent with a small file-is debated, with conflicting evidence on its impact on post-endodontic pain. This study aims to provide clear evidence from a robust randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of maintaining apical patency on the intensity and duration of post-endodontic pain in molars with necrotic pulp and apical periodontitis.

METHODS:

Study Design: Single-center, randomized, controlled, parallel-group trial.

Setting: Department of Operative Dentistry, Saidu College of Dentistry, Swat.

Participants: 48 adult patients (aged 18-65, ASA I/II) with a single permanent molar diagnosed with necrotic pulp and symptomatic apical periodontitis. Patients with prior endodontic treatment, complex anatomy, systemic illness, pregnancy, recent analgesic use, or non-restorable teeth will be excluded.

Intervention:

Patency Group (Experimental): Following determination of working length with an electronic apex locator (verified radiographically), a pre-curved size #10 K-file will be passively advanced 1.0 mm beyond the major apical foramen before and after each successive instrumentation size.

Non-Patency Group (Active Comparator): Instrumentation will be carefully confined to the root canal space and will not proceed beyond the apical foramen.

Procedure: All participants will receive single-visit root canal treatment under local anesthesia and rubber dam isolation. Cleaning and shaping will be performed using a rotary instrument system. Irrigation will be performed with sodium hypochlorite and EDTA. Obturation will be completed with gutta-percha and sealer via a standardized technique, followed by a composite restoration.

Outcome Measure: The primary outcome is post-operative pain intensity, measured using a 100-mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Patients will self-record their pain levels at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-operatively.

Data Analysis: Data will be analyzed using SPSS Statistics v25. Descriptive statistics will summarize the data. The distribution of pain severity categories will be compared using the Chi-square test. Mean VAS scores between groups will be compared using independent samples t-tests (assuming normal distribution). A p-value of < 0.05 will be considered statistically significant.

Inclusion criteria

Adult patients aged 18-65 years.

Medically healthy, classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status I or II.

Presence of a single permanent molar tooth diagnosed with necrotic pulp and symptomatic apical periodontitis, and indicated for primary root canal treatment.

Patients who provide informed written consent to participate in the study. -

Exclusion criteria

Teeth with prior endodontic treatment or complex anatomy (e.g., calcified canals, severe curvature).

Patients with significant systemic illness (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, immunocompromised status) or pregnancy.

History of analgesic intake within 72 hours prior to the root canal procedure.

Non-restorable teeth, teeth with severe periodontal disease (pocket depth >5mm), or teeth with root fractures.

Exclusion criteria

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