Cryotherapy Versus Dexamethasone on Postoperative Pain in Permanent Mandibular Molars

Effectiveness of Cryotherapy Versus Dexamethasone on Reducing Postoperative Pain in Permanent Mandibular Molars with Irreversible Pulpitis: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

The goal of this clinical trial was to evaluate cryotherapy versus dexamethasone on the intensity of postoperative pain in root canal treatment procedures in mandibular first molar teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. The main question it aims to answer is:

• Does controlled irrigation with cold saline in root canal treatment reduce the severity of postoperative pain?
• Does controlled irrigation with dexamethasone in root canal treatment reduce the severity of postoperative pain? In the cryotherapy group, unlike the control and dexamethasone group, the root canals were irrigated with 2 °C salin solution in final irrigation.

In the dexamethasone group, unlike the control and cryotherapy group, the root canals were irrigated with 1 mL dexamethasone solution in final irrigation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Vital mandibular first and second molars with 3 root canals that responded positively to the cold test and electric pulp test
• Patients who had not taken analgesics or antibiotics in the last 24 hours before the procedure were included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Devital mandibular first and second molars that responded negatively to cold tests and electric pulp tests
• Mandibular first and second molars with poor periodontal status (pocket depth > 4 mm),
• Mandibular first and second molars with 4 or more root canals detected radiographically or after opening the endodontic access cavity were excluded from the study.