Introduction: The choice of single- versus multiple-visit root canal treatment for infected teeth is in dispute. The purpose of this systematic review was to compare the healing rate and post-obturation pain of single- versus multiple-visit root canal treatment for teeth with infected root canals.
Methods: An exhaustive literature search combined with specified inclusion criteria was performed to identify randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials (RCTs or quasi-RCTs), comparing root canal treatment in single and multiple appointments (2 or more visits) in patients with infected root canals.
Results: Ten RCTs were identified and included in this review. Of these, 6 compared the healing rate and 5 compared the prevalence of post-obturation pain in single- and multiple-visit root canal treatment on teeth with infected root canals. No significant difference was observed in the healing rate between single- versus multiple-visit root canal treatment, as well as the incidence of medium-term post-obturation pain. As to the short-term follow up, the prevalence of post-obturation pain was significantly lower in single-visit than in multiple-visit group.
Conclusions: On the basis of current studies, the healing rate of single- and multiple-visit root canal treatment is similar for infected teeth. Patients experience less frequency of short-term post-obturation pain after single-visit than those having multiple-visit root canal treatment.
Copyright © 2011 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.