Comparative evaluation of quality of obturation and its effect on postoperative pain between pediatric hand and rotary files: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: One of the cardinal points to be considered during endodontic procedures in children is the measure of postoperative pain. Aim and objective: To evaluate the quality of obturation and its effect on postoperative pain with three file systems in primary mandibular molars during 1 week follow-up. Materials and methods: The study was conducted as a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. The participants between 6 years and 9 years old requiring a pulpectomy were recruited for the trial. Forty-five primary mandibular molars were randomly allocated into 15 teeth each in Hand K-files; Kedo-SH and Kedo-SG Blue groups. Wong Baker’s FACES Pain Rating Scale was used for assessing the postoperative pain in the children for 1 week. Pearson’s Chi-square test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Mann–Whitney U test were used for analyzing the data statistically. Results: Optimal fillings were observed more in the Kedo-SG Blue group (80.0%) compared to the other two groups (p < 0.017). On intergroup analysis, the Kedo-SG Blue group reported less postoperative pain compared to Kedo-SH group on day 1 while on day 7 no postoperative pain was experienced in either of the groups. Less postoperative pain was reported by the children in whom the canals were optimally filled compared to overfilling and underfilling. Conclusion: Kedo-SG Blue resulted in less postoperative pain when compared to Kedo-SH and hand K-files, whereas optimally filled children experienced less postoperative pain compared to overfilling and underfilling. Clinical significance: A felicitous pediatric dental practice includes appropriate assessment and management of postoperative pain in children. Hence, the present study is important in highlighting the affiliation of postoperative pain with quality of obturation following an endodontic intervention in children.