A Comparison of Pain Levels During Pulpectomy, Extractions, and Restorative Procedures

Most previous studies on pain in endodontics have focused on pain that occurs after root canal therapy. Very few studies have compared pain during the root canal procedure with pain occurring during other dental procedures. In the present study, 250 patients were queried following dental procedures regarding their pain levels prior to treatment and their pain levels during the treatment procedure. Of the total number of patients, 150 had a pulpectomy, 50 patients had a single extraction, and 50 patients had a single restoration. These patients reported significantly more pain during extractions than during root canal therapy. Ninety-two percent of patients undergoing root canal therapy reported that pain during the procedure was less than or much less than anticipated. Eighty-three percent of the patients undergoing root canal therapy experienced less pain during the treatment procedure than they experienced prior to the treatment.