Comparing two medicines placed inside the root canal to help periapical lesions heal
Official title: Comparison of Calcium Hydroxide and Diclofenac Sodium as Intracanal Medicaments on Periapical Healing: A Fractal Analysis Study
Run by Mustafa Kemal University · NCT07237620 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether placing calcium hydroxide or diclofenac sodium inside the root canal helps periapical lesions heal in adults having retreatment of single-rooted lower teeth.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Mustafa Kemal University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hatay, Antakya) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07237620 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–60 who are systemically healthy (ASA I–II) with single-rooted, root-filled mandibular teeth showing post-treatment apical periodontitis (PAI ≥3) and who need endodontic retreatment are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with multi-rooted teeth, significant systemic illness (ASA III+), pregnancy, or those unable to attend a 12-month follow-up are unlikely to benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Fifty-four adults with post-treatment apical periodontitis in single-rooted mandibular teeth will be randomly assigned to receive either calcium hydroxide or diclofenac sodium as an intracanal medicament during endodontic retreatment performed by a single experienced clinician. Retreatment uses standardized instrumentation and radiographic confirmation of working length and removal of previous filling material. Periapical healing will be measured radiographically at baseline and after 12 months using fractal analysis to quantify bone regeneration. The primary outcome is the change in fractal dimension between initial and follow-up radiographs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the result could identify a more effective intracanal medicament to speed or improve bone healing after retreatment.
How similar studies have gone: Calcium hydroxide is a well-established intracanal medicament with supporting evidence for healing, while diclofenac sodium used inside root canals is less common and supported mainly by limited or preliminary studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: The study is planned to include patients aged 18-60 years who are systemically healthy (ASA I-II), present with apical periodontitis after primary root canal treatment, and have single-rooted, root-filled mandibular teeth with a periapical index (PAI) score of ≥3. Endodontic treatment failure is to be evaluated based on clinical and radiographic examinations. The duration of the initial endodontic treatment is to be at least four years or longer and/or the teeth are to exhibit clinical symptoms and signs. Previous root canal fillings are to be assessed for obturation quality and classified as satisfactory if they meet the following criteria: no visible voids, good condensation, and termination within 1-2 mm of the radiographic apex. If one or more of these criteria are not fulfilled, the obturation is to be classified as poor quality. The presence of post-treatment apical periodontitis, poor obturation quality, and/or persistent or newly developed symptoms (such as spontaneous pain, tenderness to palpation or percussion) and/or sinus tract formation are to be considered as indications for retreatment. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with a history of psychiatric disorders, allergic reactions, or pregnancy, and those who have taken analgesics within seven days prior to treatment or antibiotics within the previous three months, are to be excluded from the study. Teeth presenting with a periodontal pocket depth greater than 4 mm, severe coronal destruction preventing rubber dam placement, vertical root fracture, internal or external resorption, ankylosis, overfilling, open apex, or that have undergone surgical or nonsurgical retreatment after primary therapy are to be excluded. Teeth with perforation or fractured instruments are also to be excluded.
Where it's running
-
Merve Sarı
Hatay, Antakya, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Merve Sarı, DDS,MSc — Mustafa Kemal University Hatay, Turkey
- Study coordinator: Merve Sarı, DDS,MSc
- Email: sarimerve94@outlook.com
- Phone: +905546430401
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Activation techniques in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy for retreatment of apical periodontitis
This trial tests whether different methods of agitating methylene blue during antimicrobial photodynamic therapy can improve healing and reduce infection in teeth that prior root canals had treated for asymptomatic apical periodontitis.
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Conventional and nano-metronidazole irrigation with or without ultrasonic activation for necrotic single-rooted teeth with apical periodontitis
This study tests whether conventional metronidazole or a nano-formulated version, used as root canal irrigants with or without ultrasonic activation, can reduce post-operative pain and endotoxin levels in necrotic single-rooted teeth with apical periodontitis.
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Post-operative Pain and Healing After Root Canal Re-Treatment Using Laser-Activated Irrigation vs Sonic or No Activation
This study tests whether laser-activated irrigation or sonic activation helps reduce post-operative pain and improve healing after re-treating a tooth with persistent apical inflammation, compared to conventional needle irrigation.
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Different endodontic motor motions during root canals and their effect on pain
This study tests whether using different apical motion modes on endodontic motors during root canal work changes postoperative pain in adults with chronic apical periodontitis.
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Two irrigation methods and activation techniques during a single-visit retreatment: does pain differ after root canal retreatment?
This study tests whether two different irrigation approaches and activation methods change postoperative pain after a single-visit retreatment in adults with a prior root canal.
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i-PRF regenerative treatment versus conventional non-surgical root canal retreatment for failed front teeth
This trial will see if adding injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) to regenerative treatment helps adults 18–50 with failed root canals and periapical lesions heal better than standard non-surgical retreatment.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.