Effect of Occlusal Reduction on Postoperative Pain following Single-visit Root Canal Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Postoperative pain management is crucial for the success of endodontic therapy.Various measures like occlusal surface reduction have been recommended for its management, especially in teeth with preoperative pain and/or sensitivity to percussion.Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of occlusal reduction on postoperative pain and oral health quality of life following singlevisit root canal treatment in posterior teeth. methods: Patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis requiring root canal treatment were randomly divided into group A: single-visit root canal treatment with 1.5-2 mm occlusal reduction and group B: Single-visit root canal treatment without occlusal reduction.Postoperative pain scores were evaluated at 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours using the visual analog scale (VAS), and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was evaluated after 1 week using the oral health impact factor questionnaire.Data was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test.Results: There was no difference in postoperative VAS score at 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours; however, group A had a significantly lesser postoperative pain score at 48 and 72 hours (p = 0.02) compared with group B. There was no difference in OHRQoL at the end of 1 week (p > 0.05).Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, postoperative pain was lower in the occlusal reduction group, than in the nonocclusal reduction group only at 48 and 72 hours.However, there was no difference between the groups in terms of oral health quality of life at the end of 1 week.