Retreatment versus initial root canal treatment: factors affecting posttreatment pain.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with posttreatment pain in patients receiving root canal retreatment (RCR) and in those receiving initial root canal treatment (IRCT).


METHODS
Eighty four patients scheduled for RCR or IRCT completed questionnaires on pretreatment pain levels (Visual Analogue Scale, 0-100) and demographic data. Diagnosis and original obturating material, if applicable, were also recorded, and treatment was initiated. At 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours, patients recorded posttreatment pain levels. Seventy one patients returned completed questionnaires.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference in posttreatment pain with respect to patients undergoing RCR and patients undergoing IRCT, type of original obturating material, or pretreatment diagnosis. Posttreatment pain levels were significantly increased at 4, 8, and 12 hours after treatment. Patients reporting higher levels of pretreatment pain (Visual Analogue Scale > 20) had significantly increased posttreatment pain (P <.05) up to 24 hours after the procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
Pretreatment pain level influenced posttreatment pain more than RCR or IRCT, the type of original obturating material, or the pretreatment diagnosis.
Mattscheck
D J
DJ
Division of Endodontics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA. matts030@tc.umn.edu
Law
A S
AS
Noblett
W C
WC
D000208:Acute Disease; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003790:Dental Pulp Necrosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D010482:Periapical Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D010485:Periapical Periodontitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011671:Pulpitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D019233:Retreatment; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials