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Ultrasonic Activated Irrigation and Intracanal Cryotherapy for Reducing Pain After Root Canal Treatment

Effect of Using Ultrasonic Activated Irrigation, With and Without Intracanal Cryotherapy, on Post-Operative Pain After Single Visit Root Canal Treatment of Teeth With Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07663227
Enrollment
60
Registered
2026-06-23
Start date
2026-08-01
Completion date
2027-03-01
Last updated
2026-06-23

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

Conditions

Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis and Post Operative Pain

Keywords

Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, Intracanal Cryotherapy, Ultrasonic Activated Irrigation, Postoperative Pain, Single-visit Root Canal Treatment

Brief summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of ultrasonic activated irrigation with and without intracanal cryotherapy on postoperative pain following single-visit root canal treatment in teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Participants requiring root canal treatment will be randomly allocated into two groups. One group will receive ultrasonic activated irrigation alone, while the other group will receive ultrasonic activated irrigation followed by intracanal cryotherapy. Postoperative pain will be assessed at predetermined time intervals using a standardized pain assessment scale. The findings of this study may help identify effective strategies for reducing postoperative pain after root canal treatment and improving patient comfort and treatment outcomes.

Detailed description

Postoperative pain remains one of the most common complications following root canal treatment and may negatively affect patient comfort and treatment acceptance. Various factors, including preoperative status, instrumentation techniques, and irrigation protocols, influence the incidence and severity of post-endodontic pain. Ultrasonic activated irrigation (UAI) enhances the effectiveness of irrigants by generating acoustic streaming and cavitation, thereby improving debris removal, smear layer elimination, and disinfectant penetration into the root canal system. Intracanal cryotherapy, which involves the application of cold saline as a final irrigant, has been proposed as a non-pharmacological method to reduce postoperative pain by decreasing tissue temperature and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. This study is a single-center, parallel two-arm, single-blinded randomized controlled trial conducted at the Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Sardar Begum Dental College, Peshawar, Pakistan. A total of 60 patients aged 20 to 50 years diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in mandibular first or second molars will be enrolled. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated into two groups using a computer-generated randomization sequence with allocation concealment through sealed opaque envelopes. Group A (control group) will receive ultrasonic activated irrigation without intracanal cryotherapy, whereas Group B (intervention group) will receive ultrasonic activated irrigation followed by intracanal cryotherapy using 0.9% saline at 1.5-2.5°C for 5 minutes. All treatments will be performed in a single visit under local anesthesia and rubber dam isolation using standardized clinical protocols. Root canal preparation will be carried out using the ProTaper Universal rotary system. Ultrasonic activation will be performed for one minute per canal. Following obturation and permanent restoration, postoperative pain will be assessed using a 10-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Pain scores will be recorded at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively through telephone follow-up by a blinded assessor. The primary outcome measure is postoperative pain intensity. Analgesic consumption and adverse events will also be documented. The findings of this study may provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of intracanal cryotherapy as an adjunct to ultrasonic activated irrigation for reducing postoperative pain following single-visit root canal treatment in teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Interventions

Ultrasonic activation of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite was performed for one minute per canal, 1 mm short of the working length, during single-visit root canal treatment to enhance irrigant penetration and canal debridement.

Intracanal cryotherapy was performed by delivering 10 mL of cold 0.9% saline (1.5-2.5°C) passively 1 mm short of the working length over 5 minutes as the final irrigation step during single-visit root canal treatment.

Sponsors

Dr Arsalan Ali Khan
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

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

Intervention model description

Participants with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in mandibular first or second molars will be randomly allocated into two parallel groups. Group A will receive ultrasonic activated irrigation without intracanal cryotherapy, while Group B will receive ultrasonic activated irrigation followed by intracanal cryotherapy using 0.9% saline at 1.5-2.5°C for 5 minutes. All root canal treatments will be completed in a single visit, and postoperative pain will be assessed at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
20 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* 1\. Patients who are medically fit (ASA Physical Status I) and aged between 20 and 50 years will be recruited for the study. 2\. Mandibular first or second molars exhibiting signs of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, identified through an extended sensitivity to cold testing and/or a positive electric pulp test. 3.Vital pulp with no signs of apical pathology (normal periapical radiograph, no swelling, sinus tract, or mobility). 4\. Mature roots with closed apices and no prior root canal treatment. 5. Willing to undergo single-visit treatment and comply with follow-up.

Exclusion criteria

* 1.Use of analgesics or NSAIDs within 12 hours prior to treatment. 2.Pregnant or lactating women. 3.Presence of systemic illness or allergy to any materials used in the study. 4.Teeth with: * Non-vital pulp, periapical radiolucency, or sinus tract. * Mobility \> Grade I or periodontal pockets \> 5 mm. * Resorption, calcification, or non-restorable crown structure. 5.Third molars (wisdom teeth). 6.Endodontically treated tooth. 7.Inability or unwillingness to follow study instructions or complete follow-up.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Postoperative Pain Intensity12,24,48 and 72 hours after the completion of single-visit root canal treatmentPostoperative pain intensity will be assessed using a 10-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Pain scores will be recorded through telephone follow-up at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after completion of single-visit root canal treatment.

Contacts

STUDY_CHAIRShakeel Ur Rehman Khattak, BDS,BSc,MHR,FCPS

Sardar Begum Dental College,Gandhara University,Peshawar,Pakitstan

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Jun 24, 2026