Supplementary use of the XP-endo Finisher on postoperative pain in posterior teeth with periapical lesions: a randomized clinical trial.

Objective: This study evaluated the effect of the supplementary use of the XP-endo Finisher on postoperative endodontic pain.

Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial with a parallel design. Ninety-two posterior teeth with necrotic pulps and apical periodontitis were instrumented with a single file (Reciproc) in a reciprocating movement followed or not (control) by additional instrumentation with XP-endo Finisher. Postoperative pain was assessed 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 7 days after the endodontic treatment (single session) using a universal pain assessment tool. The pain level was scored as absent, mild, moderate, or severe. The occurrence of sealer extrusion and flare-up was also recorded. Data on postoperative pain were analyzed through chi-square analysis, and the odds ratio was adjusted using a logistic regression model (α = 0.05).

Results: Similar levels and risks of postoperative pain were observed for both interventions, regardless of the assessment time. Approximately half of the participants presented any postoperative pain in the first 24 h after the endodontic treatment, and this occurrence reduced by less than 20% after 72 h. The extrusion of root filling material was observed in 36% of cases, and no participant presented flared-up.

Conclusions: The supplementary use of the XP-endo Finisher file did not affect the incidence or level of postoperative pain reported after the endodontic treatment of posterior teeth with periapical lesions.

Clinical Relevance: The supplementary use of the XP-endo Finisher did not affect postoperative pain following the endodontic treatment of posterior teeth using a single-file reciprocating system.

Clinical Trial Registration: The study protocol was registered in the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry under identification number RBR-76w7cj (June 19, 2018).