Comparing rotary and reciprocation files for postoperative pain in single-visit root canal treatment: A randomized controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACT Aim: This study aimed to compare the postoperative pain incidence using recently introduced heat treated multi-file rotary and single-file reciprocation nickel–titanium (NiTi) file systems in mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in a single visit. Methods: A total of 220 patients diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in mandibular molars were randomly assigned to one of four NiTi file system groups: Rotary (ProTaper Gold, TruNatomy) and Reciprocation (WaveOne Gold, EdgeFile). Root canal treatment was completed in a single visit and occlusal reduction was not done. Analgesic intake was recommended in case of significant pain. Pain scores were measured using the 10-point visual analog scale (VAS). Pre- and intraoperative pain scores were recorded at the chairside. Postoperative pain assessed at 24 h and 48 h. The data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between four NiTi file systems on postoperative pain incidence and analgesic intake at 24 h and 48 h (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Postinstrumentation pain scores were notably reduced for all NiTi file systems. The postoperative pain incidence and analgesic intake were found to be equivalent for both multi-file rotary and single-file reciprocation NiTi file systems.