Postoperative pain in endodontic retreatment of one visit versus multiple visits: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

backgroundThe aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRM) was to assess the postoperative pain (PP) after non-surgical endodontic retreatment (NSER) in a one visit compared to multiple visits. The PICO question used was "Does NSER in patients with unsatisfactory endodontic treatment in a one-visit visit have a similar PP to that of NSER in multiple visits?" MATERIALS AND

methodsThis systematic review followed PRISMA and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019136700). Searches were performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases for articles published until September 2020. The eligible criteria were randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The meta-analysis was based on the Mantel-Haenszel. The PP after the retreatment was analyzed using a dichotomous outcome, measured according to risk ratio (RR) when p < 0.05. The Cochrane scale was used to assess risk of bias, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess the quality of evidence.

resultsFour studies were included. In general analysis without considering intensity, one-visit NSER presented lower PP than the multiple visits only for 1 and 30 days [(RR = 0.67; CI: 0.48 to 0.93; p = 0.02), and (RR = 0.09; CI: 0.01 to 0.66; p = 0.02)], respectively. Regarding sub-analysis considering the intensity, one visit present lower mild PP when compared with multiple visits [(RR = 0.54; CI: 0.30, 0.96; p = 0.04); (RR = 0.33; CI: 0.12, 0.88; p = 0.03); and (RR = 0.12; CI: 0.02, 0.86; p = 0.03)], respectively. However, sub-analysis for moderate and severe PP showed no significant difference, independently of period evaluated (p > 0.05). Regarding the risk of bias analysis, a low risk was observed for most domains, except allocation that was considered unclear, while the certainty of evidence for each analysis was considered low.

conclusionWithin the limitations of study, the one and multiple visit can be considered adequate, because both present a similar occurrence of PP, except for mild pain. However, due to the low number of studies, further well conducted and standardized RCTs are needed to reassess these results. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Both therapies of endodontic retreatment can be considered in clinical practice. Therefore, the endodontist must consider the patient's individual characteristics and experience to consider the best treatment approach.