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Comparison of the incidence of post-operative pain after low-level laser therapy between single- and multi-visit root canal treatments for chronic apical periodontitis: A prospective randomized clinical trial

Helin Özkan Özcan, F. Haznedaroğlu, Selçuk Gökyay

International Dental Research, 2021

100 participants · 5 citations

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy, used in conjunction with conventional canal disinfection techniques, on post-operative pain after single- and multi-visit root canal treatments for chronic apical periodontitis.

Methodology: 100 volunteers were randomly divided into 4 groups. The main inclusion criteria were radiographic evidence of apical periodontitis (minimum size of 2.0 × 2.0 mm) and a diagnosis of pulpal necrosis confirmed by a negative response to vitality tests. All the root canals were prepared using a standard shaping technique and irrigation procedure. In Groups I and III, the root canals were obturated during the first visit following chemo-mechanical preparation. In Groups II and IV, the root canals were medicated with calcium hydroxide and obturated during a second visit, 1 week later. In Groups III and IV, after the chemo-mechanical preparation, the root canals were additionally irradiated by an 810-nm diode laser at 1.5 W output for 20 seconds. A modified visual analogue scale was used to measure pain at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours and 7 days after the treatment.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of post-operative pain at any time during the observation period (p > .05). Post-operative pain occurred only at 8 and 12 hours and at 1, 2, and 3 days in all groups. There was no correlation between the results regarding age, gender, periapical index scores,…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 100 participants or records.

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