Postobturation pain and associated factors in adolescent patients undergoing one- and two-visit root canal treatment

Objectives This prospective study evaluated the frequency and intensity of postobturation pain and associated factors in adolescents undergoing one- and two-visit root canal treatment. Methods 121 patients aged 11–18 years presenting with molars with pulp necrosis were assigned randomly into two treatment groups: one- and two-visit (including interappointment dressing with calcium hydroxide paste). The canals of all teeth were prepared using a preflaring (2/3 middle-cervical) and step-back (1/3 apical) preparation techniques and filled with laterally compacted gutta-percha and sealer. Postobturation pain was recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS) of 0–5. Data were statistically analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Results The frequencies of postobturation pain were 10.5% (6/57) in the one-visit group and 23.0% (14/61) in the two-visit group. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups (p = 0.07). The intensity of the pain was similar in both groups, particularly flare-ups, with a prevalence of 1.75% in the one-visit group and 1.65% in the two-visit group. Postobturation pain was significantly associated with the presence of preoperative pain (p = 0.04; OR = 3.54; CI 95% = 1.02–12.30) and a positive culture at the time of obturation (p = 0.00; OR = 9.43; CI 95% = 2.93–30.35). Conclusions Postobturation pain was more present in the two-visit group, but was not statistically significant. The intensity of postobturation pain was similar. Effective microbiological control and the presence of preoperative pain may influence the postobturation pain in adolescents.