Comparative evaluation of pain and bacterial reduction in one-visit and two-visit retreatment of single-rooted teeth: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the differences in postoperative pain and intracanal bacterial reduction between single-visit and two-visit nonsurgical retreatment of single-rooted teeth with apical periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Forty-six participants were randomly assigned to single-visit (n = 23) and two-visit (n = 23) retreatment groups. Standardized retreatment protocols were performed, including removal of filling material, rotary instrumentation, and irrigation with sodium hypochlorite and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Calcium hydroxide was used as an interappointment medicament in the two-visit group. Pain intensity was recorded using the Heft-Parker Visual Analog Scale at baseline, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 7 days. Intracanal bacterial samples were collected before and after retreatment and analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and Friedman tests (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

Both groups showed significant bacterial reduction (P < 0.001) and decreased pain scores over time (P = 0.001). Intergroup comparisons revealed no significant differences in bacterial reduction (P = 0.488) or pain intensity at any time point (P > 0.05). Regression analysis showed no effect of age, sex, group, or preoperative pain on bacterial reduction (r 2 = 0.0847, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Single-visit and two-visit retreatments achieved comparable bacterial reduction and postoperative pain outcomes.