Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults 18 years of age or older * Able to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent * Presenting for primary nonsurgical root canal treatment at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Graduate Endodontic Clinic * A tooth diagnosed with symptomatic apical periodontitis * A pulpal diagnosis of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis or pulp necrosis * Study tooth is restorable and appropriate for completion of nonsurgical root canal treatment in a single visit * Presence of a functional opposing tooth suitable for reproducible maximum occlusal force measurements * Able to comply with study procedures, including percussion testing and maximum occlusal force measurements * Able and willing to return for the scheduled follow-up visit 7 to 10 days after treatment Exclusion Criteria: * Younger than 18 years of age * Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent in English * Pregnant or known or suspected pregnancy * Previous root canal treatment of the study tooth * Study tooth cannot be treated and obturated during a single treatment visit * Non-restorable tooth, vertical root fracture, root resorption, or suspected or confirmed crack extending onto the root surface * Acute apical abscess requiring incision and drainage or other urgent surgical treatment * Advanced periodontal disease or tooth mobility that may interfere with maximum occlusal force measurements * Current chronic opioid therapy or chronic use of medications that, in the opinion of the investigator, would significantly alter pain perception or interfere with study outcome measures * Unable or unwilling to return for the scheduled follow-up visit * Any medical, physical, or cognitive condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would prevent safe participation or completion of study procedures * Children * Pregnant women/persons * Fetuses * Neonates * Prisoners * Adults lacking capacity to consent or adults with diminished or fluctuating capacity to consent * Non-English speakers * Individuals unable to read * Employees of the researcher * Students of the researcher * Individuals with a serious health condition for which there are no satisfactory standard treatments * Individuals with fear of negative consequences for not participating * Any other circumstance that could increase vulnerability to coercion or exploitation