The effect of two calcium silicate-based and one epoxy resin-based root canal sealer on postoperative pain: a randomized controlled trial

Aim To compare the effect of two calcium silicate-based (Endoseal MTA and EndoSequence BC Sealer) and an epoxy resin-based (AH Plus) root canal sealer on postoperative pain following single-visit root canal treatment on molar teeth. Methodology Patients (n = 90) having one first or second molar tooth diagnosed with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis were randomly divided into three groups according to the sealer used (n = 30) and were treated by two endodontists having at least 10 years of experience. All patients received a single-visit root canal treatment. After the treatments, postoperative pain scores and analgesic intake were recorded at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h, and 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 days. The data were analysed statistically using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis tests (for the comparisons of the age and VAS scores), Friedman tests (for the assessments of the changes in pain scores over time), chi-squared tests (for the comparisons of categorical variables) and Spearman's correlation test (for the correlation assessments of the age and gender factors with postoperative pain; alpha = 0.05). Results There were no significant differences amongst the groups in terms of postoperative pain at any time-points assessed (P > 0.05) nor for analgesic intake of patients amongst the groups (P > 0.05). Analgesic intake decreased significantly after 12 h in all groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions The sealers tested in this study were associated with similar levels of postoperative pain and were associated with a similar intake of analgesics.

Automated summary

The study compared the effects of two calcium silicate-based and one epoxy resin-based root canal sealers on postoperative pain after single-visit root canal treatment on molar teeth. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in postoperative pain levels and analgesic intake among the three groups, suggesting similar efficacy of the tested sealers in managing postoperative pain.