Effect of Working Length Determination Using X-Ray and Apex Locator on Postoperative Pain

Authors

  • Farhat Fatima Postgraduate Student, Operative Dentistry Department, Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta, Pakistan
  • Syed Atta Ullah Shah Senior Registrar, Operative Dentistry and Endodontics Department, Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta, Pakistan
  • Sangeen Ameer Postgraduate Student, Operative Dentistry Department, Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta, Pakistan
  • Shazmeen Alim Postgraduate Student, Operative Dentistry Department, Bolan Medical College, Quetta, Pakistan
  • Sadia Malik Postgraduate Student, Operative Dentistry Department, Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta, Pakistan
  • Sadia Khaliq Postgraduate Student, Operative Dentistry Department, Institute of Dentistry, CMH Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i1.1767

Keywords:

Working Length, Postoperative Pain, Electronic Apex Locator, Periapical Radiographs, Root Canal Treatment, Endodontic Pain Management.

Abstract

Background: Accurate determination of working length is crucial for successful root canal treatment, with periapical radiographs and electronic apex locators being the primary methods. While both techniques are widely used, their comparative impact on postoperative pain remains inconclusive.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of working length determination using periapical radiographs and electronic apex locators on postoperative pain intensity and resolution in patients undergoing root canal treatment.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial (n = 110) was conducted on systemically healthy patients requiring root canal treatment for single-rooted teeth. Patients were randomly assigned to either the radiographic or apex locator group. Standardized chemomechanical preparation was performed using ProTaper rotary files, and pain intensity was assessed at multiple intervals (4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours) using a validated 4-point pain scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v27, with chi-square, Mann–Whitney U, and Friedman tests applied (P < 0.05). Ethical approval was granted.

Results: No statistically significant difference in postoperative pain was observed between groups at any time point (P > 0.05). The mean pain resolution time was 3.37 ± 2.79 days for the radiographic group and 2.79 ± 3.34 days for the apex locator group (P > 0.05). Clinically, both methods were equally effective in managing pain.

Conclusion: Working length determination using periapical radiographs or electronic apex locators does not significantly impact postoperative pain. Given their comparable efficacy, apex locators may be preferred due to reduced radiation exposure. Further research should explore outcomes in multi-rooted teeth and necrotic pulp cases.

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Published

2024-02-25

How to Cite

Farhat Fatima, Syed Atta Ullah Shah, Sangeen Ameer, Shazmeen Alim, Sadia Malik, & Sadia Khaliq. (2024). Effect of Working Length Determination Using X-Ray and Apex Locator on Postoperative Pain. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 4(1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i1.1767

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2024): Volume 4, Issue 1 - January to March 2024

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2024 Farhat Fatima, Syed Atta Ullah Shah, Sangeen Ameer, Shazmeen Alim, Sadia Malik, Sadia Khaliq

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