Postoperative pain incidence and intensity following root canal obturation with bioceramic and other sealers: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract

Aims: To investigate whether bioceramic sealers induce a lower incidence and intensity of postoperative pain compared to other sealers.

Materials and Methods: Six electronic databases were searched for studies published up to April 2022, following the PICOS strategy: (P) adult patients undergoing root canal treatment or retreatment; (I) root canal filling using bioceramic sealer; (C) root canal filling using other types of sealers; (O) Primary: postoperative pain incidence and/or intensity; Secondary: number of medication intake; (S) randomized clinical trials. Risk of bias assessment was performed with the revised Cochrane risk of bias tools for randomized trials (RoB 2). Overall certainty of evidence was assessed through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool.

Results: Ten studies were included. Eight studies had a low risk of bias, and two had some concerns risk. Meta-analyses showed no differences regarding postoperative pain intensity and incidence between bioceramic sealers and AH Plus. Number of medication intake seemed to be associated to the preoperative diagnosis. Zinc oxide-eugenol sealer demonstrated an intense postoperative pain compared to bioceramic sealers and AH Plus. GRADE analysis showed a low certainty of evidence for all outcomes.

Conclusions: There seem to be no differences between bioceramic sealers and AH Plus regarding postoperative pain intensity and incidence. Number of medication intake seem to be associated to the preoperative diagnosis. Zinc oxide-eugenol evoked a more pronounced postoperative pain.