Factors associated with postoperative signs and symptoms in teeth with periapical lesion: a longitudinal study

Erlange Andrade Borges Silva, Ludmila Silva Guimarães, Fernanda Garcias Hespanhol, Caio Luiz Bitencourt Reis, Lívia Azeredo Alves Antunes, Leonardo Santos Antunes

This study aimed to evaluate the association of the variables age, gender, arch position, tooth length, root canal amplitude, and periapical lesion size with the occurrence of postoperative signs and symptoms (pain, tenderness, and edema) and the use of postoperative analgesics following root canal treatment with foraminal enlargement in single-rooted teeth with apical periodontitis. This prospective longitudinal study included 105 patients requiring root canal treatment of maxillary or mandibular single-rooted teeth with periapical lesion. After root canal treatment in a single session, pain intensity and tenderness were recorded daily for 7 days and on days 14 and 30. Edema was evaluated by two independent evaluators within 48 h, 72 h, and 7 days after treatment. Ordinal and logistic regressions were performed (p < 0.05). Female gender (beta = 1.02; p < 0.01), mandibular teeth (beta = 25.50; p < 0.01), medium root canal amplitude (beta = 0.93; p = 0.03), and edema (beta = 1.88; p < 0.01) were associated with increased postoperative pain and tenderness, while the use of analgesics (beta = -1.82; p < 0.01) and time in days (beta = -0.23; p < 0.01) were associated with a decrease in these signs and symptoms. Edema was considered a risk factor for analgesic requirement (Odds Ratio [OR] = 61.46; p < 0.01). Factors such as gender, arch position, and root canal amplitude were associated with postoperative signs and symptoms. The use of analgesics was more required in edema and was associated with decreased pain.