(PO34) Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Between Minimally Invasive and Conventional Root Canal Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract: The aim of this randomized prospective clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of root canal treatment using a minimally invasive treatment protocol (MP) compared to a conventional treatment protocol (CP). A total of 176 mature permanent teeth were randomly assigned into two groups. In the CP group, ProTaper Gold and a continuous wave of condensation technique were used. In contrast, in the MP group, TruNatomy, ultrasonic-assisted irrigation, calcium hydroxide, and a sealer-based obturation technique were used. Healing of the teeth was determined as a decrease in periapical index and resolution of symptoms. The results were statistically compared using t-tests, chi-squared tests, or Fisher’s exact tests, followed by multivariate analysis with logistic regression. The recall rate was 73%, with a mean follow-up of 13.3 months. The overall success rates were 81.4% (CP 87.7%, MP 75.0%; p = .064) by loose criteria and 78.3% (CP 84.6%, MP 71.9%; p = .079) by strict criteria, with no significant differences between the groups by chi-squared analyses. However, multivariate analysis using logistic regression revealed that the MP group (p = .033) and the presence of a sinus tract (p = .009) were possible predictors of treatment failure. This study identified the MP group and the presence of a sinus tract as significant predictors of the initial outcome of root canal treatment.