Comparative evaluation of postoperative pain using continuous and reciprocating motion rotary file systems – A clinical trial

• Author Details:   
• Sonal Mukhraiya
• Mansi Punjabi
• Apoorva Sharma
• Rohit Kochhar
• Manju Kumari ^*

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Introduction: Post-operative pain is a common complication following root canal therapy, often caused by extrusion of debris, microorganisms, or irrigants into periapical tissues. The design and kinematics of endodontic file systems—rotary or reciprocating—may influence the degree of post-treatment discomfort, making their clinical comparison highly relevant.

Aim & Objective: The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate post-operative pain using ProTaper Next and TruNatomy rotary files in continuous motion and One RECI and Neo-endo reciprocation files in reciprocating motion.

Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients indicated for root canal therapy were randomly allocated into five groups: Control Group: Hand ProTaper, Group 1: ProTaper Next (continuous motion), Group 2: TruNatomy (continuous motion), Group 3: One RECI (reciprocating motion), Group 4: Neo-Endo (reciprocating motion). All procedures were performed using standardized protocols. Pain intensity was measured using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at 8, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-operatively. The data were analyzed statistically using SPSS software.

Results: At 8 and 24 hours, the ProTaper Next group reported the highest pain levels (3.65 ± 3.64 and 4.05 ± 3.49), while the One RECI group showed the lowest scores (0.60 ± 0.82 and 0.10 ± 0.31). Pain levels decreased across all groups at 48 hours, with One RECI reporting no pain (0.00 ± 0.00). By 72 hours, One RECI and Neo-Endo groups demonstrated minimal pain, whereas the ProTaper Next group continued to show the highest post-operative discomfort (3.20 ± 3.30).

Conclusion: Reciprocating file systems such as One RECI and Neo-Endo resulted in significantly lower post-operative pain compared to continuous motion systems. These findings suggest a clinical advantage of reciprocating motion in improving patient comfort after endodontic treatment.