Influence of hand and rotary files for endodontic treatment of primary teeth on immediate outcomes: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Endodontic treatment of primary teeth can be time-consuming.

Aim: To compare hand and rotary files regarding the time for root canal chemical-mechanical preparation, child's behavior, apical limit of the obturation, and post-operative pain.

Design: This secondary data from a randomized clinical trial with two parallel arms evaluated endodontic instrumentation in 88 children aged 4-9 years. Stratified and block randomization was performed into two groups: K-file hand and ProDesign Logic rotary files. The evaluated outcomes were the chemical-mechanical preparation time, child's behavior using the Frankl scale, apical limit of the obturation, and post-operative pain using the Faces Pain Scale-Revised. One operator and all outcome appraisers were blinded to the chemical-mechanical technique. Multiple linear regression, chi-square, and Fisher's exact test were performed.

Results: The mean time for chemical-mechanical preparation using hand files was 24.5 (SD 4.0) minutes, and using rotary files, it was 17.0 (SD 2.5) minutes (P < .001). No difference was found between the instrumentation methods in the child's behavior, apical limit of the obturation, or post-operative pain.

Conclusions: The ProDesign Logic file reduced the average procedure time but presented no difference in the other variables studied when compared to the K-file.

Keywords: child; pediatric dentistry; pulpectomy; root canal preparation; root canal therapy.