The effect of different irrigation activation methods preferred during root canal treatment on postoperative pain: A randomized clinical trial

Purpose: This study evaluates the effects of EDDY and passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) activation methods on postoperative pain in mandibular premolar and first molar teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis.
Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted at Ordu University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Endodontics between 12.02.2024 and 03.06.2024. Volunteer patients were randomly assigned to groups. Treatments were performed by a single operator (M.S.). Of 57 patients, 45 completed the study (control: 15, EDDY: 14, PUI: 16). Postoperative pain was recorded at the 8th, 12th, 24th, and 48th hours, and on the 7th day using a visual analog scale. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman, and Chi-square tests.
Results: Gender had no significant impact on pain (p > 0.05). No significant intergroup differences in pain were found at any time point (p > 0.05). PUI caused more pain at the 8th and 12th hours, while EDDY caused more pain at the 24th and 48th hours, though not statistically significant. Pain significantly decreased by the 7th day in the control (p = 0.007) and PUI (p < 0.001) groups but not in the EDDY group (p = 0.050).
Conclusion: EDDY and PUI show comparable effects on postoperative pain, with no influence of gender.