Aim: This study aimed to assess whether single-visit non-surgical endodontic retreatment (NSER) is associated with a higher incidence of post-operative pain (POP) and a greater number of patients requiring analgesics compared to the two-visit approach for asymptomatic patients with endodontically-treated premolars requiring new restoration construction.
Methods: 64-patients requiring NSER for asymptomatic previously treated premolar teeth were randomly assigned to either single-visit or two-visit groups. With placed calcium hydroxide as intra-canal medication for 1-wk in two-visit groups. POP was assessed using numerical rating scale at 6,8,12,24,48h and 7-days. Patients were instructed to take prescribed analgesics if severe intolerable pain was experienced. Pain scores and the number of the patients taken analgesic were recorded and subjected to statically analysis.
Results: Both groups showed the highest incidence and pain scores at 6h, which gradually decreased over time and completely resolved after 48h." since, at 48h, pain started no longer exiting. No patients reported sever pain and only 6% of patients in the single-visit group experienced moderate pain after 6h. Single-visit group reported significantly higher pain scores compared to the two-visits at 6h only (p<0.05). Regarding analgesic intake, 4-patients in single-visit group and 2-patients in two-visit group used analgesics because of their fear of increasing pain, especially during sleep.
Conclusions: Within the parameters of this study, a predominant number of patients reported either no pain or mild pain following both single and two-visit procedures. This outcome suggests that both approaches are viable and satisfactory for managing asymptomatic premolars with inadequate primary root canal treatment.