Resolution of Mechanical Allodynia in Ipsilateral and Contralateral Clinically Sound Teeth Following Root Canal Treatment of the Diseased Tooth

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim Mechanical allodynia (MA) or tenderness on percussion in endodontically diseased teeth is an indicator of peri‐radicular inflammation. The exhibition of MA by clinically sound teeth on ipsilateral and contralateral sides is attributed to peripheral and central sensitisation, respectively. This study aimed to investigate the effect of root canal treatment in carious exposed teeth on the resolution of MA in its adjacent and contralateral clinically sound teeth. Methodology Sixty Patients (39 Females and 21 Males) with a carious exposed mandibular molar (offending tooth) with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and exhibiting MA in clinically sound adjacent and contralateral teeth were recruited. The intensity of MA for the offending tooth, ipsilateral adjacent (mesial & distal) teeth, contralateral to the offending tooth, and contralateral adjacent (mesial & distal) teeth was recorded using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) after the percussion test. All the patients underwent single‐visit root canal treatment of the offending tooth, and MA was assessed at 24 h, 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Data were analysed using Student's t ‐test, Friedman test, and post hoc pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction. Results There was a significant reduction ( p < 0.05) in mechanical allodynia VAS scores at 24 h postoperatively in ipsilateral adjacent and contralateral adjacent clinically sound teeth. The offending tooth and the contralateral to the offending tooth exhibited significant reduction in MA‐VAS scores ( p < 0.05) at 7 days. At 3 months, near complete resolution of mechanical allodynia was observed in all teeth except for one offending tooth, which persisted even at 6‐month follow‐up. Conclusions The root canal treatment of the offending tooth was followed by resolution of MA in clinically sound adjacent and contralateral teeth. Although most teeth exhibited complete resolution of MA at 6‐month follow‐up, occasional cases may require extended follow‐up.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. International Endodontic Journal, 2026 · DOI ↗