EFFECT OF INTRACANAL CRYOTHERAPY ON FRACTURE RESISTANCE OF ENDODONTICALLY TREATED PRIMARY TEETH: AN IN VITRO STUDY

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of intracanal cryotherapy on the fracture resistance of primary mandibular incisors following root canal therapy. Thirty extracted teeth were randomly divided into two groups (n = 15). Group A received 20 mL of cold saline (2.5°C) for five minutes, while Group B received saline at room temperature. Fracture resistance was assessed using a universal testing machine (Instron 3345, USA), applying vertical force at 1 mm/min until fracture. Teeth treated with cold saline fractured at a mean force of 108.9 N compared to 121.7 N in the control group reflecting a 10.4% decrease (p < 0.001). While cryotherapy is effective for postoperative pain control, it may compromise long-term tooth integrity. Clinicians should weigh these implications in pediatric endodontics.