Comparison of Step-Down Versus Step-Back Hand Preparation Technique of Root Canals

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of flare-up in terms of post-operative pain and/or swelling, after step down and step back root canal preparation technique.

Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted from 28th October 2011 to 27th April 2012 in de'Montmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore.150 patients with irreversible pulpitis  were  randomly  al- lotted in two equal groups (Group A and B) and  root  canals  were  prepared  with  step-down  andstep- back technique respectively. Pain was recorded using visual analogue scale on 1st, 7th and 14th post-operative day. Data was analysed using SPSS version 17.0.

Results: In Group A, 67 patients had no  flare-up  and  8  patients  had  flare-up  on  14th  postoperative day. In Group B, 57 patients had no flare-up and 18 patients had flare-up on 14th postoperative day. Out of 150 patients 26 (17.33%) showed flare-up and 124 (82.66%) showed no flare-up. The overall  flare-up in Group A was 10.6% and in Group B was 24% after 14 days.

Conclusions:  Step-down technique is better for root canal preparation as evaluated by the comparison of flare-up by step-down and step-back techniques.