Oral health-related quality of life after four treatment protocols of irreversible pulpitis with apical periodontitis (A randomized controlled clinical trial)

Aim To evaluate the effect of four root canal treatment protocols on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with apical periodontitis. Methodology A total of 40 participants randomly divided into four groups: Group 1; root canal preparation with hand files and final irrigation with room temperature saline solution(control group). Group 2; root canal preparation with hand files and final irrigation using cold saline solution as cryotherapy. Group 3; root canal preparation with Protaper Next rotary file system and final irrigation with room temperature saline solution. Group 4; root canal preparation with Protaper Next and final irrigation using cold saline solution as cryotherapy. All patients received root canal treatment in two visits and all canals were obturated using gutta-percha lateral compaction technique. Pain values were recorded using visual analogue scale and OHRQoL data were assessed before the root canal intervention (baseline), 6, 12 and 24 hours after first visit treatment. Data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney Tests at (P ≤0.05). Results All tested root canal treatment protocols significantly decreased pain and enhanced patients’ OHRQoL. There were statistically significant differences among tested groups and between different assessment periods in each group. Conclusions cryotherapy by cold saline solution as a final rinse decrease postoperative pain and improve patient quality of life. Using rotary files is better than manual files regarding postoperative pain and quality of patient life.