Effect of a novel intracanal medicament on the inter-appointment pain in patients undergoing endodontic therapy - A randomised clinical trial

Original Research

Abstract

Introduction: Interappointment flare-up may be defined as the occurrence of severe pain, swelling or both, following an endodontic treatment, which requires an unscheduled visit for emergency treatment. Various intracanal medicaments are advocated to eliminate bacteria and prevent multiplication of bacteria between the appointments. Calcium hydroxide has been the most commonly used medicament, and its dressing is shown to provide more bacteria-free canals than those devoid of any dressing. Chitosan and hekla lava have shown potential antimicrobial activity in invitro tests but there are no in vivo studies demonstrating the interappointment pain when used as intracanal medicaments.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the effect of calcium hydroxide, chitosan and hekla lava on the inter-appointment pain in patients undergoing endodontic therapy.

Materials and Methods: Thirty patients requiring root canal treatment were assigned into Group I, Group II, and Group III. In Group I calcium hydroxide, Group II Chitosan and Group III Hekla lava were placed respectively. Patients were instructed to record their pain on days 1,3 and 5. Interappointment pain was evaluated using Visual Analogue scale.

Results: P-value of <0.05 was considered. At the end of Day 1, Group II and III showed statistically significant difference, At 3^rd Day Group III showed statistically significant difference.