Prostaglandin E2 in Apical Tissue Fluid and Postoperative Pain in Intact and Teeth with Large Restorations in Two Endodontic Treatment Visits

Abstract

Introduction Acute periapical inflammation is the most common cause of postoperative pain developing as a result of mechanical, chemical and/or microbial injury of periapical tissue. The major inflammatory event responsible for periapical pain is increased vasodilatation and vascular permeability, partly caused by prostaglandin E2, with consequent edema, which leads to the compression of nerve fibers.

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of prostaglandin E2 in apical tissue fluid after endodontic treatment of intact and teeth with large restorations and to compare it with the occurrence and intensity of postoperative pain.

Methods Single-rooted teeth of 24 patients, selected for this study, were distributed into two groups: intact (group 1, n=27) and asymptomatic teeth with large restorations (group 2, n=20). Clinical examination of the involved teeth included the electric pulp test, recording pain on percussion, spontaneous pain, and a radiographic examination. Samples of apical tissues fluid were obtained from root canals at two treatment visits, and prostaglandin E2 concentrations were measured using radioimmunoassay. Pain intensity was assessed by visual analogue scale.

Results Prostaglandin E2 concentrations at the second visit, in teeth with large restorations, was significantly higher (36%) than at the first treatment visit (Wilcoxon signed rank test, p<0.05). Occurrence and intensity of spontaneous pain after the first visit were significantly higher in group 2 (p<0.05) than in group 1.

Conclusion These results suggest that the increased prostaglandin E2 concentration, caused by endodontic treatment of teeth with large restorations, is well correlated with the intensity of postoperative pain.

Keywords: prostaglandin E2; endodontic treatment; pain; vital teeth