Effect of sodium hypochlorite with the addition of a proteolytic enzyme on postoperative discomfort: a multicenter randomized clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare the patient's postoperative discomfort when root canal irrigation was performed either with standard sodium hypochlorite or with sodium hypochlorite with the adjunct of a proteolytic enzyme.


METHODS
Two hundred patients were endodontically treated in two clinics. The type of irrigant to be used during root canal instrumentation was randomly assigned. Final irrigation was done using EDTA 17%. The canals were filled by warm vertical condensation with guttha-percha and the coronal seal was made using IRM. Patients were given a questionnaire to assess pain and swelling and the number of analgesics and other drugs taken during the first week after treatment.


RESULTS
A total of 166 questionnaires could have been evaluated. No significant difference was found between groups for pain, swelling and analgesics taken. Moderate pain and swelling was reported only in the first two days after treatment. No antibiotics use was reported. No guttha-percha excess beyond root apex was found by radiographic assessment.


CONCLUSIONS
The irrigating solution containing a proteolytic enzyme does not produce greater postoperative discomfort as compared to the conventional sodium hypochlorite in patients undergoing endodontic therapy.
Taschieri
S
S
Department of Health Technologies, Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Fabiani
C
C
Franco
V
V
Weinstein
T
T
Del Fabbro
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011670:Pulpectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000379:methods*; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020860:Subtilisin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000700:Analgesics; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite; D020860:Subtilisin