Postoperative Pain After Single vs Multiple-Visit Root Canal Treatment in Diabetic Patients

This study compares post-treatment pain after root canal therapy done in one visit versus two visits for patients with diabetes. Root canal treatment can sometimes cause pain afterwards, and it is unclear if the number of visits makes a difference, especially for diabetic patients who may have different healing and pain responses. We will randomly assign 200 diabetic patients needing a root canal on a single-rooted tooth to either have the entire procedure completed in a single appointment or split over two appointments. Patients will record their pain levels on a standard scale at 24 hours, 72 hours, and one week after the procedure. We hypothesize that there will be no significant difference in pain levels between the two treatment approaches. The results will help dentists decide the best treatment plan for their diabetic patients without worrying about causing more pain.

Inclusion criteria

Patients aged between 12 and 60 years.

Diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

In need of root canal treatment on a single-rooted tooth.

A clinical diagnosis of either irreversible pulpitis or necrotic pulp in the indicated tooth.

Willingness and ability to understand and provide written informed consent (and assent with parental consent for minors).

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Exclusion criteria

• Pregnancy.

Known history of allergy to local anesthetics.

Presence of large periapical radiolucent lesions (typically defined as >5mm in diameter).

Current use of long-term analgesic or anti-inflammatory medication (which could alter pain perception).

Teeth with complex root canal anatomy (e.g., calcified canals, C-shaped canals) that would complicate standard treatment.