Evaluation of prophylactic alveolar trephinafion to avoid pain

The root canals of 225 teeth were filled after either one or two appointments. One hundred cases were completed in one appointment; fifty of these were trephined, and 50 were not unless severe pain was experienced. After two appointments, 125 teeth were filled, and only those in which severe pain was reported were trephined. Of those roots treated during one appointment and not trephined, 16% of the patients had pain whereas pain occurred in 9.6% of those treated in two appointments. Sixty-nine of 70 cases of trephination were asymptomatic. Statistical analysis showed a greater incidence of pain when trephination was not used (98% significance level), yet its value as a prophylactic procedure was considered questionable.

No full text is available. To read the body of this article, please view the PDF online.