Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of low, moderate and high-power sonic energy levels on post-operative pain intensity and frequency of analgesic intake in acute pulpitis cases after single-visit root canal treatment.
Methodology: 80 patients were randomly allocated into 1 control and 3 experimental groups according to the irrigant activation with 20 patients per group: negative control: side-vented needle only, low power, medium power, and high power. Canals were cleaned and shaped. 5 milliliters of 2.5% NaOCl were delivered by a side-vented needle gauge 30 in the control group. Sonic activation was performed 3 × 20 s, the 5 ml of NaOCl were distributed into 4 milliliters for continuous irrigation during activation followed by 1 ml as a final rinse. Post-operative pain intensity was recorded after 6 hrs, 24 and 48 hrs using the VRS pain scale. Frequency of analgesic intake was also recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-wallis test followed by Mann-Whitney test.
Results: Non-significant differences were found among the control and experimental groups regarding the pain intensity and incidence (P ˃ 0.05). Analgesic intake frequency was comparable among all groups. Both parameters were significantly higher after 6 hrs as compared to the values after 24 and 48 hrs, (P ˂ 0.05).
Conclusion: Irrigant activation using the 3 power modes of sonic energy did not elevate post-operative pain or frequency of analgesic intake in single-visit root canal treatment of acute pulpitis cases Pain levels were significantly higher after 6 hrs than after 24 and 48 hrs.