Comparative Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Rotary Instrumentation over Manual Instrumentation with Ultrasonic Irrigation on Incidence, Duration, and Intensity of Postendodontic Pain: An In vivo Study

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of rotary instrumentation over manual instrumentation with ultrasonic irrigation on incidence, duration, and intensity of postendodontic pain (PEP). Subjects and Methods: Eighty patients, with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis in maxillary anterior teeth, were selected and treated with single-visit endodontic treatment. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups (40 each), Group A (K files using step-back technique) and Group B (ProTaper Next using crown-down technique) along with passive ultrasonic irrigation. Patients were recalled, examined, and asked to fill up questionnaire after 24 h, 48 h, and 7 days. On the basis of response given in the feedback forms, incidence, duration, and intensity of PEP were evaluated. Results: Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using Chi-square test, and level of significance (P < 0.05) was evaluated. More incidence of pain was noticed in Group A when compared with Group B. Significant difference found between two groups (chi(2) = 22.759; P = 0.001). There was also statistically significant difference between two groups at different time intervals. Conclusion: Both instrumentation techniques under investigation cause PEP. The incidence of pain was more in manual technique than rotary technique. The duration of pain was higher in manual group than rotary group at different time intervals.