Assessment of Pain in Single-Visit Versus Multi-Visit Root Canal Treatment

Abstract

Aim- To compare and evaluate the levels of pain experienced by patients who underwent single-visit versus multi-visit root canal treatment, to determine which approach resulted in less postoperative discomfort and improved overall patient outcomes.

Materials and methods- This was a prospective study involving 50 patients who underwent single-visit and multiple-visit root canal treatments (RCT) in teeth with irreversible pulpitis. The participants were divided into two groups: Group A, consisting of 25 patients who received single-sitting RCT, and Group B, with 25 patients who underwent multiple-sitting RCT. Inclusion criteria included premolar teeth and patients aged 18–50 years, while exclusion criteria were swelling, purulence, and antibiotic use during the initial treatment. Within 24 hours of treatment, patients were asked to rate their pain at 6 and 18 hours post-treatment using a 1–5 point scale. The primary indication for treatment in all cases was a confirmed diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis, as evidenced by periapical radiographs. This approach ensured a consistent and focused examination of the treatment outcomes for this specific condition. Data analysis was done using SSPS software.

Results- Group A consisted of 25 patients, with a gender distribution of 10 males and 15 females, and an average age of 25 years, while Group B also included 25 patients, with 12 males and 13 females, and a slightly higher average age of 29 years. Group A reported an average post-endodontic pain (PEP) score of 1.01, whereas Group B exhibited a higher average PEP score of 1.37. Further analysis showed that in Group A, the average PEP score was 1.45 for males and 1.98 for females, while in Group B, males had an average PEP score of 1.90 and females 1.31. Despite these differences in PEP intensity between genders and treatment groups, there was no statistically significant difference overall. However, patients undergoing multiple-sitting root canal treatments experienced higher post-treatment pain compared to those who had single-sitting procedures.

Conclusion- The study revealed no significant difference between the groups, indicating that single-sitting root canal treatment could be promoted, provided that appropriate case selection is made for the comfort of both the patient and the clinician.