The role of cryotherapy in the reduction of postoperative pain in patients with irreversible pulpitis and/or apical periodontitis: A randomized controlled clinical study

Purpose: To compare and assess the efficacy of cryotherapy in reducing postoperative pain after bio-mechanical preparation in irreversible pulpitis and/or apical periodontitis in single-rooted teeth.
Methods: A total of eighty patients presenting with single-rooted teeth exhibiting irreversible pulpitis and/or apical periodontitis were subjected to a randomized allocation into two groups of 40 each. Irrigation was done using 5% sodium hypochlorite along with a heated plugger to warm it at 90°C for 5 seconds in all 80 teeth. Group 1 underwent final irrigation utilizing normal saline at room temperature. Group 2 received final irrigation using normal saline refrigerated between 2-5°C. Pain levels were assessed and recorded before the procedure and at 24 and 48-hour time intervals.
Results: No statistically significant differences were found in VAS pain scores between Group 1 and Group 2 at the 24-hour mark. Conversely, at the 48-hour mark, a significant statistical difference was observed in the VAS pain scores between Group 1 and Group 2. Group 1 exhibited a higher mean VAS score compared to Group 2.
Conclusion: Based on the constraints inherent in this study, it can be inferred that employing cryo-therapy with the use of cold saline at 2°C to 5°C as a final irrigant leads to a reduction in postoperative pain at 48 hours.