One visit versus two visits endodontic treatment - a review of literature

ABSTRACT Background Conventionally endodontic treatment has been performed during multiple visits with antimicrobial dressing between the cleansing and filling of the root. It is debated whether the antimicrobial dressing leads to a higher success rate of the treatment or if it is equal to cleansing and filling the canal during the same visit, which would be more convenient for the patient and the clinician. Aim The aim of this study was to compile the available articles comparing the success rates of single-visit and multiple-visit treatments. Methods Combinations of MeSH-terms were used in different databases to find relevant articles. They were sorted against inclusion- and exclusion criteria which resulted in ten final articles. Results Seven of the final articles concluded that there was no significant difference between one visit and multiple visit treatment. One article had significantly higher success rate for single visit and one article had significantly higher success rate for treatment during multiple visits. Conclusions Out of the ten final articles, only two showed a difference in success rate between one visit and two visits for endodontic treatment. The included systematic reviews have the highest scientific evidence and concluded no difference, based on our study. Our conclusion is that no difference in periapical healing can be demonstrated between the two methods. The clinician should decide based on available scientific knowledge and clinical experience what the best treatment is for each individual case