Work

Effect of photodynamic therapy on postoperative pain after pulpectomy in paediatric patients under general dental anaesthesia: A randomised controlled trial

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on post-endodontic pain (PEP) in paediatric patients after pulpectomy under dental general anaesthesia (DGA) compared to conventional treatment. METHODS: A double-blind, randomised, parallel-controlled clinical trial included 60 paediatric patients aged 3-6 years who required pulpectomy in deciduous teeth under DGA. Pulpectomy followed a standard endodontic protocol. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups. The experimental group received PDT with 1% methylene blue, and the control group received a sham laser with sterile saline. The primary outcome was PEP intensity, assessed using the visual analogue scale at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h and 1 week postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included analgesic use. Data were analysed using generalised estimating equations (GEEs) and non-parametric tests. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Pain scores were significantly lower in the PDT group than in the control group at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h (P < 0.05) but not at 1 week (P > 0.05). GEEs analysis revealed significant main effects of time (Wald χ² = 108.873, P < 0.001) and group (Wald χ² = 29.833, P < 0.001), with a significant group-by-time interaction (Wald χ² = 36.965, P < 0.001). Analgesic use showed a non-significant reduction in the PDT group (P = 0.424). CONCLUSION: Endodontic therapy assisted with PDT effectively reduced PEP in paediatric patients under DGA, particularly within the first 72 h, offering a safe and beneficial adjunct for early postoperative comfort.

Source: Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy

DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2026.105348