Self-perceived pain levels following irrigation with various concentrations of sodium hypochlorite solution and gels: A systematic review of randomized clinical studies


Main Article Content

Maryam Altuhafy
Ghida Askar
Luay Jabr
Zegar Zegar
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7992-5239

Junad Khan
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3107-6118

Abstract

Background: Sodium hypochlorite, a prevalent root canal irrigation solution, valued for its antibacterial properties and tissue-dissolving abilities, varies in concentration (0.5% to 8.25%). However, its efficacy across formulations awaits systematic evaluation.
Aim: To evaluate self-perceived post-operative pain levels in a 5.25% concentration of NaOCl in gel or solution form.
Materials and Methods: An unrestricted search of indexed databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane) and a manual search were performed up to April 2023. Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared a solution form of 5.25% NaOCl to other solution concentrations, whereas 2 RCTs compared a gel form of 5.25% NaOCl concentration to 5.25% NaOCl solution form. The risk of Bias (RoB) assessment was conducted using the Cochrane tool.
Results: A total of 5 RCTs met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Four RCTs used the visual analog scale (VAS), whereas 1 RCT used the numeric rating scale (NRS) to assess post-operative pain. Three RCTs had a moderate Risk of Bias (RoB), whereas 1 had a low and 1 had a high RoB.
Conclusion: Based on the current evidence the concentration of NaOCl used during irrigation did not have any effect on the post-operative pain developed regardless of the use of a gel or solution forms. Future randomized studies with standardized protocols are needed to further investigate the efficacy of NaOCl concentration on postoperative pain in endodontic treatment.

Article Details


How to Cite
Altuhafy, M., Askar, G., Jabr, L., Zegar, Z., & Khan, J. (2024). Self-perceived pain levels following irrigation with various concentrations of sodium hypochlorite solution and gels: A systematic review of randomized clinical studies. International Journal of Dental Materials, 6(1), 22–31. https://doi.org/10.37983/IJDM.2024.6105
Author Biographies

Maryam Altuhafy, Eastman Institute for Oral Health

Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry, Orofacial Pain and TMJD, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Rochester, NY, USA.

Ghida Askar, Eastman Institute for Oral Health

Resident, Orofacial Pain and TMJD, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Rochester, NY, USA.

Luay Jabr, Eastman Institute for Oral Health

Resident, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Rochester, NY, USA.

Zegar Zegar, Loma Linda University

Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry, Endodontics, Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, CA, USA.

Junad Khan, Eastman Institute for Oral Health

5Director and Associate Professor, Orofacial Pain and TMJD, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Rochester, NY, USA.

References

  1. Ozlek E, Gunduz H, Kadi G, Ta?an A, Akkol E. The effect of solution and gel forms of sodium hypochlorite on postoperative pain: a randomized clinical trial. J Appl Oral Sci. 2021;29: e20200998. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-7757-2020-0998
  2. Wang C, Xu P, Ren L, Dong G, Ye L. Comparison of post?obturation pain experience following one?visit and two?visit root canal treatment on teeth with vital pulps: a randomized controlled trial. Int Endod J. 2010;43(8):692-7. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2591.2010.01748.x
  3. Karatas E, Kirici DO, Arslan H. Postoperative pain after the use of sodium hypochlorite gel and solution forms: A randomized clinical study. European Endodontic Journal. 2021;6(1):34. https://doi.org/10.14744/eej.2020.08370
  4. Tanalp J, Sunay H, Bayirli G. Cross-sectional evaluation of post-operative pain and flare-ups in endodontic treatments using a type of rotary instruments. Acta Odontol Scand. 2013;71(3-4):733-9. https://doi.org/10.3109/00016357.2012.715199
  5. Hepsenoglu YE, Eyuboglu TF, Özcan M. Postoperative pain intensity after single-versus two-visit nonsurgical endodontic retreatment: a randomized clinical trial. J Endod. 2018;44(9):1339-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2018.05.017
  6. Arslan H, Güven Y, Karata? E, Do?anay E. Effect of the simultaneous working length control during root canal preparation on postoperative pain. J Endod. 2017;43(9):1422-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2017.04.028
  7. Arias A, De la Macorra JC, Hidalgo JJ, Azabal M. Predictive models of pain following root canal treatment: a prospective clinical study. Int Endod J. 2013;46(8):784-93. https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.12059
  8. Topçuo?lu HS, Topçuo?lu G. Postoperative pain after the removal of root canal filling material using different techniques in teeth with failed root canal therapy: a randomized clinical trial. Acta Odontol Scand. 2017;75(4):249-54. https://doi.org/10.1080/00016357.2017.1283707
  9. Arslan H, Khalilov R, Do?anay E, Karatas E. The effect of various kinematics on postoperative pain after instrumentation: a prospective, randomized clinical study. J Appl Oral Sci. 2016;24:503-8. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-775720160136
  10. Lopes LP, Herkrath FJ, Vianna EC, Gualberto Júnior EC, Marques AA, Sponchiado Júnior EC. Effect of photobiomodulation therapy on postoperative pain after endodontic treatment: a randomized, controlled, clinical study. Clin Oral Investig. 2019;23:285-92. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-018-2435-9
  11. Seltzer S, Naidorf IJ. Flare-ups in endodontics: I. Etiological factors. J Endod. 1985;11(11):472-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0099-2399(85)80220-X
  12. Rosenberg PA, Babick PJ, Schertzer L, Leung A. The effect of occlusal reduction on pain after endodontic instrumentation. J Endod. 1998;24(7):492-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0099-2399(98)80054-X
  13. Topçuo?lu HS, Topçuo?lu G, Arslan H. The effect of apical positive and negative pressure irrigation methods on postoperative pain in mandibular molar teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a randomized clinical trial. J Endod. 2018;44(8):1210-5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2018.04.019
  14. Siqueira Jr JF, Guimarães-Pinto T, Rôças IN. Effects of chemomechanical preparation with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and intracanal medication with calcium hydroxide on cultivable bacteria in infected root canals. J Endod. 2007;33(7):800-5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2006.11.023
  15. Gernhardt CR, Eppendorf K, Kozlowski A, Brandt M. Toxicity of concentrated sodium hypochlorite used as an endodontic irrigant. Int Endod J. 2004;37(4):272-80. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0143-2885.2004.00804.x
  16. Zehnder M. Root canal irrigants. J Endod. 2006;32(5):389-98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2005.09.014
  17. Farzaneh S, Parirokh M, Nakhaee N, Abbott PV. Effect of two different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite on postoperative pain following single?visit root canal treatment: a triple?blind randomized clinical trial. Int Endod J. 2018;51:e2-11. https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.12749
  18. Dutner J, Mines P, Anderson A. Irrigation trends among American Association of Endodontists members: a web-based survey. J Endodics. 2012;38(1):37-40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2011.08.013
  19. Virdee SS, Ravaghi V, Camilleri J, Cooper P, Tomson P. Current trends in endodontic irrigation amongst general dental practitioners and dental schools within the United Kingdom and Ireland: a cross-sectional survey. Brit Dent J. 2020:1-7. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-020-1984-x
  20. Gopikrishna V, Pare S, Kumar AP, Narayanan LL. Irrigation protocol among endodontic faculty and post-graduate students in dental colleges of India: A survey. J Conserv Dent Endod. 2013;16(5):394-8. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-0707.117486
  21. Gonçalves LS, Rodrigues RC, Junior CV, Soares RG, Vettore MV. The effect of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine as irrigant solutions for root canal disinfection: a systematic review of clinical trials. J Endod. 2016;42(4):527-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2015.12.021
  22. Sethi P, Agarwal M, Chourasia HR, Singh MP. Effect of single dose pretreatment analgesia with three different analgesics on postoperative endodontic pain: A randomized clinical trial. J Conserv Dent Endod. 2014;17(6):517-21. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-0707.144574
  23. Silva EJ, Monteiro MR, Belladonna FG, Almeida JF, De-Deus G, Neves AD. Postoperative pain after foraminal instrumentation with a reciprocating system and different irrigating solutions. Braz Dent J. 2015;26:216-21. https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-6440201300311
  24. Junior JA, Coelho MS, Kato AS, Vivacqua-Gomes N, Fontana CE, Rocha DG, da Silveira Bueno CE. The effect of foraminal enlargement of necrotic teeth with the reciproc system on postoperative pain: a prospective and randomized clinical trial. J Endod. 2016;42(1):8-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2015.09.018
  25. Savani GM, Sabbah W, Sedgley CM, Whitten B. Current trends in endodontic treatment by general dental practitioners: report of a United States national survey. J Endod. 2014;40(5):618-24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2014.01.029
  26. Kleier DJ, Averbach RE, Mehdipour O. The sodium hypochlorite accident: experience of diplomates of the American Board of Endodontics. J Endod. 2008;34(11):1346-50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2008.07.021
  27. Pontes F, Pontes H, Adachi P, Rodini C, Almeida D, Pinto Jr D. Gingival and bone necrosis caused by accidental sodium hypochlorite injection instead of anaesthetic solution. Int Endod J. 2008;41(3):267-70. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2591.2007.01340.x
  28. Tanomaru Filho M, Leonardo MR, Aníbal FF, Faccioli LH. Inflammatory response to different endodontic irrigating solutions. Int Endod J. 2002;35(9): 735-9. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2591.2002.00544.x
  29. Garcia AJ, Kuga MC, Palma?Dibb RG, Só MV, Matsumoto MA, Faria G, Keine KC. Effect of sodium hypochlorite under several formulations on root canal dentin microhardness. J Investig Clin Dent. 2013;4(4):229-32. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2041-1626.2012.00158.x
  30. Zand V, Lotfi M, Rahimi S, Mokhtari H, Kazemi A, Sakhamanesh V. A comparative scanning electron microscopic investigation of the smear layer after the use of sodium hypochlorite gel and solution forms as root canal irrigants. J Endod. 2010;36(7):1234-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2010.02.033
  31. Luz LB, Santana R, Prates AW, Froelich J, de Melo TA, Montagner F, Luisi SB. Antimicrobial action, pH, and tissue dissolution capacity of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite gel and solution. Journal of Health & Biological Sciences. 2019;7(2 (Abr-Jun)):121-5. https://doi.org/10.12662/2317-3076jhbs.v7i2.2327.p121-125.2019
  32. Mostafa ME, El?Shrief YA, Anous WI, Hassan MW, Salamah FT, El Boghdadi RM, El?Bayoumi MA, Seyam RM, Abd?El?Kader KG, Amin SA. Postoperative pain following endodontic irrigation using 1.3% versus 5.25% sodium hypochlorite in mandibular molars with necrotic pulps: a randomized double?blind clinical trial. Int Endod J. 2020;53(2):154-66. https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.13222
  33. Shamseer L, Moher D, Clarke M, Ghersi D, Liberati A, Petticrew M, Shekelle P, Stewart LA. Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015: elaboration and explanation. BMJ. 2015;349. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.g7647
  34. Higgins JP, Altman DG, Gøtzsche PC, Jüni P, Moher D, Oxman AD, Savovi? J, Schulz KF, Weeks L, Sterne JA. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials. BMJ. 2011;343. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.d5928
  35. Demenech LS, de Freitas JV, Tomazinho FS, Baratto-Filho F, Gabardo MC. Postoperative pain after endodontic treatment under irrigation with 8.25% sodium hypochlorite and other solutions: a randomized clinical trial. J Endod. 2021;47(5):696-704. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2021.02.004
  36. Nagendrababu V, Gutmann JL. Factors associated with postobturation pain following single-visit nonsurgical root canal treatment: A systematic review. Quintessence International. 2017 Mar 1;48(3):193-208.
  37. Torabinejad M, Shabahang S, Bahjri K. Effect of MTAD on postoperative discomfort: a randomized clinical trial. J Endod. 2005;31(3):171-6. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.don.0000137642.50944.a2
  38. Bashetty K, Hegde J. Comparison of 2% chlorhexidine and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite irrigating solutions on postoperative pain: a randomized clinical trial. Ind J Dent Res. 2010;21(4):523-7. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-9290.74225
  39. Khan J, Zusman T, Wang Q, Eliav E. Acute and chronic pain in orofacial trauma patients. J Endod. 2019;45(12):S28-38.. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2019.05.010
  40. Walton RE. Interappointment flare?ups: incidence, related factors, prevention, and management. Endodontic Topics. 2002;3(1):67-76. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1601-1546.2002.30107.x
  41. Glennon JP, Ng YL, Setchell DJ, Gulabivala K. Prevalence of and factors affecting postpreparation pain in patients undergoing two?visit root canal treatment. Int Endod J. 2004;37(1):29-37. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2591.2004.00748.x
  42. Pamboo J, Hans MK, Kumaraswamy BN, Chander S, Bhaskaran S. Incidence and factors associated with flare-ups in a post graduate programme in the indian population. J Clin Exp Dent. 2014 Dec;6(5):e514. https://doi.org/10.4317/jced.51578
  43. Ali SG, Mulay S, Palekar A, Sejpal D, Joshi A, Gufran H. Prevalence of and factors affecting post-obturation pain following single visit root canal treatment in Indian population: A prospective, randomized clinical trial. Contemp Clin Den. 2012;3(4):459-63. https://doi.org/10.4103/0976-237X.107440
  44. Gondim Jr E, Setzer FC, Dos Carmo CB, Kim S. Postoperative pain after the application of two different irrigation devices in a prospective randomized clinical trial. J Endod. 2010;36(8):1295-301. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2010.04.012
  45. Applebaum E, Nackley AG, Bair E, Maixner W, Khan AA. Genetic variants in cyclooxygenase-2 contribute to post-treatment pain among endodontic patients. J Endod. 2015;41(8):1214-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2015.04.021
  46. Kohli D, Falcon C, Katzmann G, Benoliel R, Khan J, Korczeniewska OA. Postendodontic pain: a practical approach to diagnosis and management. Quintessence Int. 2021;52(5): 384-392. https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.b1044039
  47. Hou XM, Su Z, Hou BX. Post endodontic pain following single-visit root canal preparation with rotary vs reciprocating instruments: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. BMC Oral Health. 2017;17:1-7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-017-0355-8
  48. Manfredi M, Figini L, Gagliani M, Lodi G. Single versus multiple visits for endodontic treatment of permanent teeth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016(12): Cd005296. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005296.pub3
  49. Faria G, Viola KS, Coaguila?Llerena H, Oliveira LR, Leonardo RT, Aranda?García AJ, Guerreiro?Tanomaru JM. Penetration of sodium hypochlorite into root canal dentine: effect of surfactants, gel form and passive ultrasonic irrigation. Int Endod J. 2019;52(3):385-92. https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.13015
  50. Neelakantan P, Sharma S. Pain after single-visit root canal treatment with two single-file systems based on different kinematics-a prospective randomized multicenter clinical study. Clinical oral Investig. 2015;19:2211-7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-015-1448-x
  51. Iandolo A, Dagna A, Poggio C, Capar I, Amato A, Abdellatif D. Evaluation of the actual chlorine concentration and the required time for pulp dissolution using different sodium hypochlorite irrigating solutions. J Conserv Dent. 2019;22(2):108-13. https://doi.org/10.4103/JCD.JCD_165_19