Beyond statistical significance: when statistically significant post operative endodontic procedures might reduce pain affecting a minority of patients seen clinically

Abstract

A Commentary on

Fatima S, Taneja S, Aggarwal V, Dheer A, Taneja P.

Effect of cryotherapy, laser therapy and intraligamentary dexamethasone injection on post-treatment pain after single visit RCT-A double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial. J Oral Biol Craniofac Res. 2025; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobcr.2025.01.005.

Design

Patients were allocated to 4 groups or 25 subjects, Group-1: placebo, Group-2: Intraligamentary injection of dexamethasone, Group-3: cryotherapy (saline at a temperature of 2.5 °C was used as an irrigant in the canals prior to obturation), Group-4: cold laser therapy. Patients were instructed to record postoperative pain intensity and intake of analgesics after 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h.

Data source

Researchgate.net, Google Scholar, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Study selection

Individuals diagnosed with molar necrotic pulps and symptomatic apical periodontitis.

Inclusion criteria

Systemically healthy patients, aged 18–65 years, diagnosed with symptomatic apical periodontitis in a mandibular molar requiring a primary endodontic procedure, with a preoperative VAS score of ≥7.3.2.

Exclusion criteria

Included patients with a history of allergy to any of the experimental drugs or local anesthetic solutions, patients who were medically compromised, and patients who had taken steroids, antibiotics, or analgesics within the previous 24 h.

Results

The study reported that patients in the placebo group exhibited statistically significantly higher intensity. Group 3 (cryotherapy) showed less pain at all time intervals.

Study conclusions

The study reported that the adjuvant pain management therapies reduced the intensity of postoperative pain and the frequency of analgesic intake.