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

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, or tooth type.

Conclusion: The use of low-level laser therapy had no significant effect on the incidence of post-operative pain, and single-visit root canal treatment may be a strong alternative to multi-visit treatment.

How to cite this article: Özkan Özcan H, Haznedaroğlu F, Gökyay S. 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. Int Dent Res 2021;11(1):30-7. https://doi.org/10.5577/intdentres.2021.vol11.no1.6

Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.