Postoperative pain and quality of life after the use of different endodontic sealers in asymptomatic molars: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE: To compare postoperative pain intensity and incidence after root canal obturation using AH Plus or EndoSequence BC in asymptomatic molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial included 152 patients and was conducted in accordance with CONSORT guidelines. Teeth were randomly allocated according to the sealer used. Postoperative pain was assessed using validated pain scales at 6, 12, and 24 h, and at 2 and 3 days after obturation. Quality of life was evaluated using the OHIP-14 questionnaire. Bite sensitivity and analgesic intake were also recorded. RESULTS: Postoperative pain intensity was very low in both groups at all time points. The AH Plus group showed slightly higher pain intensity within the first 24 h compared with the BC sealer group (p < 0.05). No differences were observed between groups regarding pain incidence, bite sensitivity, or impact on quality of life (p > 0.05). Analgesic intake was higher in the AH Plus group. A weak positive correlation was observed between pain intensity and functional limitation domains of the OHIP-14 (physical disability and social impairment). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, both sealers resulted in very low postoperative pain. Although AH Plus showed slightly higher pain intensity compared with BC, both sealers demonstrated a similar risk of pain and comparable impact on quality of life. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Postoperative pain after root canal obturation was minimal with both AH Plus and EndoSequence BC sealers. Minor differences in pain intensity were observed during the early postoperative period, with a slightly faster reduction in pain reported for EndoSequence BC, and no differences in pain risk or impact on quality of life.