Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 60

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 typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SponsorMustafa Kemal University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hatay, Antakya)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 15, 2025
Main results expectedApril 1, 2027
Study endsApril 1, 2027
Registry record updatedOctober 7, 2026
Trial IDNCT07237620 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

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.