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Effect of Intracanal Medicaments on Post-Operative Pain in Symptomatic Apical Periodontitis: An RCT

Comparison of Different Intracanal Medicaments on Post-operative Pain in Teeth With Symptomatic Apical Periodontitis: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07123792
Enrollment
480
Registered
2025-08-14
Start date
2024-06-03
Completion date
2025-06-03
Last updated
2025-08-14

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Periodontal Diseases

Brief summary

Comparison of different intracanal medicaments during root canal treatment to assess their effect on post-operative pain in teeth with Symptomatic Apical Periodontitis

Detailed description

Pain is the most common clinical symptom associated with endodontic treatment. Symptomatic apical periodontitis (SAP) results in significant post-operative discomfort due to microbial invasion and inflammatory changes in periapical tissues. Intracanal medicaments are used to reduce microbial load and inflammation between treatment appointments, potentially reducing post-treatment pain. This study investigates the comparative effectiveness of three commonly used intracanal medicaments in reducing pain following biomechanical preparation: Group 1: Calcium hydroxide (CH) Group 2: Chlorhexidine gel (CHX 2%) Group 3: Modified Triple Antibiotic Paste (TAP) - a combination of ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, and metronidazole in 1:1:1 ratio A total of 480 participants with single-rooted teeth diagnosed with symptomatic apical periodontitis will be randomly assigned into three groups (160 in each group). Endodontic treatment will be performed by a single operator under standard protocols. No systemic analgesics or antibiotics will be prescribed. Pain assessment will be done using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (0-10), and recorded at baseline (0 h), 6 h, 24 h, and 48 h after treatment. The study aims to provide evidence on the most effective intracanal medicament to minimize post-operative pain, improving patient outcomes and guiding clinical decision-making.

Interventions

DRUGCalcium Hydroxide (20%)

A 20% calcium hydroxide paste will be placed as an intracanal medicament following root canal instrumentation. Applied using a Lentulo spiral, excess is removed, and the tooth is sealed with a glass ionomer temporary restoration.

DRUGChlorhexidine Gel (2%)

A 2% chlorhexidine gel will be used as an intracanal medicament following canal preparation. It will be delivered with a Lentulo spiral, cleaned from the chamber, and the tooth sealed.

A modified triple antibiotic paste consisting of ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and clindamycin (1:1:1 by weight) will be placed in the canal using a Lentulo spiral. The excess paste will be removed, and the cavity will be sealed with temporary restorative material.

Sponsors

HITEC-Institute of Medical Sciences
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
15 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Single rooted teeth (Anterior or posterior) * Teeth with acute symptomatic apical periodontitis

Exclusion criteria

* Non-restorable teeth, presence of endo-perio lesions, teeth with acute or chronic apical abcess, teeth with internal/external root resorption * Teeth with anatomical difficulties like open apices, calcified canals, dilacerations * Patients with parafunctional habits * Patients who were allergic to medications that were used in the study * Patients who were taking medicines that could influence pain perception * Patients that had any serious medical illness or with systemic disorders

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Post-operative Pain Intensity Measured Using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WFPRS)At baseline (0 hours), 6 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours post-operativelyPain intensity will be assessed using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WFPRS), a validated 6-point facial expression scale. The scale ranges from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain), with corresponding facial images used to help patients subjectively rate their pain. This tool will be used during follow-up calls to determine the patient's level of pain after root canal instrumentation and medicament placement. Units of Measurement: Score range: 0-10 (intervals of 2)

Countries

Pakistan

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026