Comparing Different Electronic Apex Locators and Periapical Radiography on Postoperative Pain

Overview

This clinical study was conducted to better understand whether the method used to measure the length of root canals affects the amount of pain patients feel after root canal treatment. Accurate measurement of the root canal is important to clean and fill the tooth properly. If the canal is cleaned too short or too far, it may cause discomfort or reduce the success of the treatment.The study included 125 adult patients who had deep decay but no current pain or swelling. All had single-rooted teeth diagnosed with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Participants were randomly divided into five groups, each using a different method to measure the root canal length before treatment. Four of the methods used electronic devices (called apex locators), and one used a dental X-ray. None of the patients knew which method was used in their case, and all treatments were done by the same dentist in a single appointment.Pain levels were recorded using a simple pain scale called the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where patients marked their pain level at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after treatment. Patients were also allowed to take painkillers if needed, and they were asked to record how many tablets they used.The study also looked at factors like age, gender, the location of the treated tooth, and use of pain medication. The study was carried out at Bezmialem Vakif University's Department of Endodontics. All participants gave written consent, and the study was approved by the university's ethics committee. No complications or serious side effects were reported during or after the treatment.

This clinical study aimed to investigate whether the method used to determine root canal length has an effect on postoperative pain following root canal treatment. Accurate measurement of the root canal is crucial for successful cleaning and sealing of the root system. If the measurement is too short or too long, it may lead to discomfort or compromise treatment outcomes. The study enrolled 125 adult patients who had deep dental caries but were not experiencing any active pain or swelling at the time of diagnosis. All patients had single-rooted teeth diagnosed with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis, a condition in which the pulp is irreversibly damaged but does not yet cause symptoms. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to one of five groups, each using a different method for working length determination prior to treatment. Four groups used electronic apex locators (Root ZX, Propex Pixi, Woodpex III, and Raypex 6), while one group used periapical radiography (dental X-ray). Treatments were carried out by the same experienced clinician during a single appointment. Patients were blinded to the method used in their treatment. To evaluate postoperative discomfort, pain levels were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a 10-centimeter scale where patients mark their pain level ranging from "no pain" to "worst imaginable pain." VAS scores were recorded at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after treatment. Patients were allowed to take over-the-counter pain medication (400 mg ibuprofen) if necessary, and they were instructed to record how many tablets they took each day. In addition to pain levels, the study evaluated other potential contributing factors such as patient age, gender, the location of the treated tooth (upper or lower jaw), and use of analgesics. The data were analyzed to determine whether these factors were associated with differences in pain perception among groups. This study was conducted at the Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Bezmialem Vakif University (Istanbul, Türkiye). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants, and the study protocol was approved by the university's ethics committee. No adverse events or complications were reported during or after the procedures.