Comparative Evaluation of Postoperative Pain Following Different Irrigation Activation Techniques in Single-Visit Endodontics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/ajm.2026.9.01.28Keywords:
Postop erative pain; Endodontics; Irrigation activation; Passive ultrasonic irrigation; Laser-activated irrigation; Manual dynamic agitation; Single-visit root canal treatmentAbstract
Postoperative pain following endodontic treatment remains a significant clinical concern influenced by irrigation techniques. This study aimed to evaluate and compare postoperative pain following different irrigation activation methods in single-visit endodontics. A total of 90 patients were divided into three groups based on the irrigation technique used: manual dynamic agitation, passive ultrasonic irrigation, and laser-activated irrigation, and pain was assessed at different time intervals using a numerical rating scale. The results demonstrated variations in postoperative pain among the groups, with advanced activation techniques showing better pain reduction compared to conventional methods. It can be concluded that irrigation activation techniques play a significant role in minimizing postoperative pain, and their appropriate selection can improve patient comfort and clinical outcomes. Advancement of Knowledge This study provides comparative clinical evidence on the effect of different irrigation activation techniques on postoperative pain following single-visit endodontic treatment. It demonstrates that advanced activation methods, such as passive ultrasonic irrigation and laser-activated irrigation, are more effective in reducing postoperative pain compared to conventional approaches.The findings highlight the role of improved irrigant penetration and reduced apical extrusion in minimizing periapical inflammation and patient discomfort. Additionally, this study emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate irrigation techniques as a key factor in enhancing clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction in endodontic therapy.
Downloads
References
Kumar, P. (2024). Postoperative pain following root canal treatment: A clinical evaluation. Cureus, 16(7), e65618. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.65618
Sathorn, C., Parashos, P., & Messer, H. H. (2008). The prevalence of postoperative pain and flare-up in single- and multiple-visit endodontic treatment: A systematic review. International Endodontic Journal, 41(2), 91–99. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2591.2007.01316.x
Balto, K. (2009). Single- or multiple-visit endodontics? Evidence-Based Dentistry, 10(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6400630
Manfredi, M., Figini, L., Gagliani, M., & Lodi, G. (2016). Single versus multiple visits for endodontic treatment of permanent teeth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 12(12), CD005296. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005296.pub3
Yaylali, I. E., Kececi, A. D., & Ureyen Kaya, B. (2018). The effect of single-visit and multiple-visit root canal treatment on postoperative pain. Journal of Endodontics, 44(8), 1228–1236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2018.05.002
Su, Y., Wang, C., Ye, L., & Tan, H. (2011). Postoperative pain in endodontics: A systematic review. Journal of Endodontics, 37(2), 125–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2010.09.005
Schwendicke, F., Göstemeyer, G., & Stolpe, M. (2017). Cost-effectiveness of single- versus multi-visit root canal treatment. BMJ Open, 7(2), e013115. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013115
Yoldas, O., Topuz, A., Isci, A. S., & Oztunc, H. (2004). Postoperative pain after endodontic retreatment: Single- versus two-visit treatment. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology, 98(4), 483–487. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tripleo.2004.03.009
Del Fabbro, M., Afrashtehfar, K. I., Corbella, S., El-Kabbaney, A., Perondi, I., & Taschieri, S. (2016). Endodontic procedures for retreatment of periapical lesions. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 10(10), CD005511. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005511.pub3
Kumar, G., Singh, R., & Sharma, P. (2025). Postoperative pain following endodontic treatment: A cross-sectional study. BMC Oral Health, 25(1), 47. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-024-05412-1
Mergoni, G., Mele, M., Manfredi, M., & Lodi, G. (2022). Single versus multiple visits for endodontic treatment of permanent teeth (updated review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 12(12), CD005296. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005296.pub4
Erdem Hepsenoglu, Y., Eyuboglu, T. F., & Ozcan, M. (2018). Postoperative pain intensity after single- versus multiple-visit root canal treatment. Journal of Endodontics, 44(9), 1339–1346. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2018.05.017
Elmsmari, F., Al-Sudani, D., & Al-Shahrani, S. (2024). Evaluation of postoperative pain after endodontic treatment: A clinical study. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 26028. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-74998-x
El Mubarak, A. H., Abu-Bakr, N. H., & Ibrahim, Y. E. (2010). Postoperative pain in multiple-visit and single-visit root canal treatment. Journal of Endodontics, 36(1), 36–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2009.09.003
Trope, M. (1991). Flare-up rate of single-visit endodontics. International Endodontic Journal, 24(1), 24–26. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2591.1991.tb00866.x
Angın, A. E., Arslan, H., & Capar, I. D. (2024). Postoperative pain following different endodontic treatment protocols. Clinical Oral Investigations, 28(7), 362. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-024-05760-w
Nixdorf, D. R., Moana-Filho, E. J., Law, A. S., McGuire, L. A., Hodges, J. S., & John, M. T. (2010). Frequency of persistent tooth pain after root canal therapy. Journal of Endodontics, 36(9), 1494–1498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2010.06.020
Oginni, A. O., Adeleke, A. A., & Gbadebo, S. O. (2004). Clinical evaluation of postoperative pain following endodontic treatment. Odonto-Stomatologie Tropicale, 27(108), 23–27.
Imura, N., Zuolo, M. L., & Ferreira, M. O. (1995). Endodontic flare-ups: A prospective study. International Endodontic Journal, 28(5), 261–265. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2591.1995.tb00311.x
