Abstract:Objective To analyze the impact of Vitapex paste and metronidazole iodine paste on the efficacy of root canal treatment in patients with sinus tract-type apical periodontitis.Methods A total of 118 patients diagnosed with sinus tract-type apical periodontitis at Qingdao Hai Ci Hospital affiliated with Qingdao University from January 2019 to February 2022 were selected. Using a random number table, the patients were divided into a study group and a control group, with 59 patients in each group. Both groups underwent root canal treatment, with the control group filled with metronidazole iodine paste and the study group filled with Vitapex paste. Follow-up was conducted for 6 months after treatment. The post-filling pain reaction, sinus tract healing, apical healing, comprehensive efficacy, and levels of periodontal inflammatory factors (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, interleukin-8) were compared between the two groups.Results The incidence of post-filling pain reactions was comparable between the two groups (P > 0.05). The study group showed a higher sinus tract healing rate than the control group (P < 0.05). The root apex transparency area at different time points showed differences (P < 0.05) and the study group had a lower root apex transparency area at 3 and 6 months compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The change trend in the root apex transparency area differed between the two groups (P < 0.05). The success rate in the study group was higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). The changes in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8 values before and after treatment were higher in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.05).Conclusion Compared to metronidazole iodine paste, Vitapex paste demonstrated superior advantages in sinus tract healing, apical healing, and reduction of periodontal inflammatory responses in patients with sinus tract-type apical periodontitis undergoing root canal treatment. The overall treatment effect was better with Vitapex paste.