LAUSR

BACKGROUND Post-operative pain (PP) following pulpectomy is of concern for endodontic patients and dentists. AIM The current study evaluated the intensity of PP following pulpectomy in primary maxillary molars, using two irrigation needles. DESIGN One hundred patients in ages ranging from 6 to 9 years requiring pulpectomy for asymptomatic primary teeth with non-vital pulp were included in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups of 50 patients each, according to the type of irrigation needle used, that is, a conventional open-ended needle and a double side-vented needle. The teeth were obturated and then permanently restored. The presence of PP was assessed after six, 12, 24, 48, and 72hours, and finally after one week, using a four-point pain-intensity scale. The PP scores were then statistically analyzed. RESULTS In 6, 12,and 24h time intervals, patients who had their teeth irrigated with the open-ended needle exhibited more intense PP than those who had their teeth irrigated with a double side-vented needle (P<0.05). However, after 48h,72h and one week, there was no significant difference between the groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Side-vented needles may be preferred in order to decrease PP at the first 24 hours after pulpectomy in primary molars.