Postoperative Pain Following Single-Visit versus Multiple-Visit Root Canal Therapy in Single-Rooted Teeth among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: Randomized Controlled Trial
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52206/jsmc.2026.16.2.1466Abstract
Background: Postoperative pain remains a common and clinically significant outcome following root canal therapy (RCT). Patients with diabetes mellitus may exhibit altered pain perception and delayed healing due to metabolic and neuropathic changes. However, evidence comparing postoperative pain outcomes between single-visit and multiple-visit RCT in diabetic populations remains limited.
Objective: To compare postoperative pain following single-visit versus multiple-visit root canal therapy in single-rooted teeth among patients with diabetes mellitus.
Methodology: This exploratory randomized controlled trial included 200 diabetic patients requiring RCT on single-rooted teeth. Participants were randomly allocated to either single-visit or multiple-visit treatment groups. Standardized endodontic procedures were performed in both groups. Postoperative pain was assessed using a 10-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 1 hour, 24 hours, 72 hours, and 1 week. Data distribution was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, and non-parametric statistical methods were applied accordingly.
Results: Baseline demographic characteristics were comparable between groups (p > 0.05). Median postoperative pain scores showed no statistically significant differences at any time interval: 1 hour (7 vs 6; p = 0.81), 24 hours (4 vs 3; p = 0.33), 72 hours (3 vs 2; p = 0.13), and 1 week (2 vs 1; p = 0.25) in the multiple-visit and single-visit groups, respectively. Subgroup analyses based on age and gender also demonstrated no significant differences. Pain levels decreased progressively over time in both groups.
Conclusion: Single-visit and multiple-visit root canal therapies result in comparable postoperative pain outcomes in diabetic patients. These findings suggest that treatment decisions may be guided by clinical considerations, patient preference, and logistical factors rather than expectations of postoperative pain.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Endodontics, Multiple-visit root canal treatment, Postoperative pain, Single-visit root canal treatment.
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