Influence of Occlusal Reduction on Endodontic Postoperative Pain

patients will be allocated to either undergo occlusal reduction (Intervention group) where all occlusal contacts on the functional and non-functional cusps as well as on the marginal ridges will be reduced using a diamond bur, or not undergo occlusal reduction (Control group) where all occlusal contacts will remain intact. The presence or absence of contact will be confirmed using articulating paper where occlusal surfaces will be dried and articulating paper will be held between the teeth with the mandible guided to the centric position. Intact occlusion will be assessed by examining the marks on the teeth. A high-speed handpiece with copious coolant will be used to remove occlusal contacts (Intervention group) or just moved above the surface of the tooth without contacting the occlusal surface (Control group) to facilitate patient blinding.