Single- or multiple-visit endodontics ?

Question: When individuals undergo root canal treatment, does a single-visit approach result in a higher frequency of post-treatment problems than a multiple-visit one?

Image via Wikipedia

Studies were included if subjects had a noncontributory medical history; underwent nonsurgical root canal treatment during the study; there was comparison between single- and multiple-visit root canal treatment; and if outcome was measured in terms of pain degree or prevalence of flare-up.

Data were extracted using a standard data extraction sheet. Because of variations in recorded outcomes and methodological and clinical heterogeneity, a meta-analysis was not carried out, although a qualitative synthesis was presented.

Sixteen studies fitted the inclusion criteria in the review, with sample size varying from 60–1012 cases. The prevalence of postoperative pain ranged from 3–58%. The heterogeneity of the included studies was far too great to yield meaningful results from a meta-analysis.

Compelling evidence is lacking to indicate any significantly different prevalence of postoperative pain or flare-up following either single- or multiple-visit root canal treatment.

(Source: Evidence-Based Dentistry (2009) 10, 16. doi:10.1038/sj.ebd.6400630)

You may also be interested in:

1. Root Canal Treatment in Houston Endodontic Office
2. Root Canal No More?
3. Do I Need a Crown after Root Canal Treatment
4. Post-Op Instructions after a Root Canal Treatment
5. Alternatives to a Root Canal Treament
6. How Do I Know if I Need a Root Canal - Houston Root Canal
7. I'd Rather Quit Than Get a Root Canal
8. Steps of Root Canal Treatment
9. Periapical and Dentoaveolar abscesses