Evaluation of postoperative pain using warm versus room temperature sodium hypochlorite as an irrigant in mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis: A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION: The study evaluates and compare the effect of 3% warm NaOCl with NaOCl at room temperature in root canal irrigation on postoperative pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in healthy 18-year-old patients and above were included. The sample consisted of 56 patients evaluating the postoperative pain, allocated randomly into 2 groups of 3% NaOCl at two different temperatures, i.e. at room temperature and at 60°C. Endodontic treatment was initiated for each group and instrumentation was done using MTwo rotary files. The final irrigation was performed according to the groups assigned. For each included tooth, preoperative and postoperative pain scores at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h were collected through the Heft Parker Visual Analog Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-test, Chi-square test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Friedman test followed by Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: The mean percentage reduction in pain scores was significantly higher among the warm NaOCl group as compared to the control group at different time intervals (P < 0.001). The mean number of analgesics taken was significantly lower among the warm NaOCl group as compared to the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The warm NaOCl group recorded less postoperative pain than the control group during the first 72 h following single-visit endodontic therapy.