Comparative Evaluation of Incidence of Pain After Root Canal System Obturated With Conventional Lateral Compaction and Thermoplasticized Gutta Percha Technique, An In Vivo Study

Abstract

The ultimate goal of root canal treatment is to make patients symptom free and maintain asymptomatic condition.

Aim: To evaluate the incidence and measure the intensity of pain after root canal obturation done by using two different obturation techniques.

Materials and method: Root canal treatment was performed in total 70 patients using K-Files. Group 1 (control group)

had 35 patients for cold lateral compaction technique and group 2 (intervention group) had 35 patients for ENQ Plus (META. Korea) system for thermo plasticized gutta percha delivery system, Post-operative IOPA were scored from 0 to 3 according to their extension. The questionnaire was given that contained visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess the discomfort and the pain experienced by the patient at 6 hours and after 1", 2", 3", 4", 5 and 6 days of the treatment. The completed questionnaire was returned by the patient a week later, when the patients were recalled for the follow up. Statistical analysis was done using chi-square test.

Result: Though the pain incidence was higher for cold lateral compaction group after 24 hours post operatively, the VAS declined by the fourth post-operative day and on seventh post-operative day there was no incidence of pain for group 1(0%), while 4 out of 35 (11.42%) cases from group 2 still reported mild pain. Immediate post treatment root canal associated pain prevalence was high but dropped moderately within fourth day and substantially to minimal level in seven days in the current study

Conclusion: Cold lateral compaction technique, though a widely used, tried and tested method; requires more clinical time. Hybrid technique of warm gutta percha obturation technique is quick and safer than purely injectable method.