Prevalence of pain after endodontic treatment

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of postoperative pain and its intensity in association with clinical factors in patients undergoing root canal treatment. Material and Methods: 50 subjects over 18 years of age of both genders were included by demand. Questionnaires were applied to subjects in order to obtain demographic data, clinical features about presence of pain and its intensity at intervals of 24 and 48 hours after procedure. Teeth were treated by the crown-down technique in single or multiple visits, aided by irrigation with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite, proceeding to the filling of root canals by the Tagger's hybrid technique, using gutta-percha and zinc oxide-eugenol cement. Data were analyzed with univariate and bivariate statistical test (Fisher's exact test) using SPSS 13.0 software. Results: No statistical difference (p>0.05) was observed between prevalence of postoperative pain and its magnitude in association with clinical variables. Conclusion: Pulp sensitivity (vitality), pre-existence of apical lesion, single-session treatment, use of intracanal dressing, reported pain prior to treatment, and use of analgesic medication were not associated with the prevalence of postoperative pain.