Supplementary use of the XP-endo Finisher on postoperative pain in posterior teeth with periapical lesions: a randomized clinical trial

Objective This study evaluated the effect of the supplementary use of the XP-endo Finisher on postoperative endodontic pain. Methods This study was a randomized clinical trial with a parallel design. Ninety-two posterior teeth with necrotic pulps and apical periodontitis were instrumented with a single file (Reciproc) in a reciprocating movement followed or not (control) by additional instrumentation with XP-endo Finisher. Postoperative pain was assessed 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 7 days after the endodontic treatment (single session) using a universal pain assessment tool. The pain level was scored as absent, mild, moderate, or severe. The occurrence of sealer extrusion and flare-up was also recorded. Data on postoperative pain were analyzed through chi-square analysis, and the odds ratio was adjusted using a logistic regression model ( α = 0.05). Results Similar levels and risks of postoperative pain were observed for both interventions, regardless of the assessment time. Approximately half of the participants presented any postoperative pain in the first 24 h after the endodontic treatment, and this occurrence reduced by less than 20% after 72 h. The extrusion of root filling material was observed in 36% of cases, and no participant presented flared-up. Conclusions The supplementary use of the XP-endo Finisher file did not affect the incidence or level of postoperative pain reported after the endodontic treatment of posterior teeth with periapical lesions. Clinical relevance The supplementary use of the XP-endo Finisher did not affect postoperative pain following the endodontic treatment of posterior teeth using a single-file reciprocating system. Clinical trial registration The study protocol was registered in the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry under identification number RBR-76w7cj (June 19, 2018).