Single- Versus Multiple-Visit Endodontic Treatment: Advantages and Disadvantages that Can Affect our Decision Making

 

Endodontic therapy is a treatment that can be carried out in a single or multiple visits. How the number of sessions required for the completion of the procedure affects the outcome of the treatment is still a controversial subject. Opinions vary as to the relative risks and benefits of carrying out the procedure in a single visit or in multiple appointments

An important factor that used to be the main reason for completing the  endodontic therapy in more than one visits was the time required to execute all the therapeutic steps required for its completion. With the advantages of contemporary endodontics, the development of new materials, techniques and instruments along with the availability of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and magnification devices such as loupes and microscope, the root canal treatment has become more predictable and the time needed to perform most endodontic procedures has reduced significantly. Therefore, clinicians nowadays can successfully execute single-visit endodontic treatments.

Several advantages and disadvantages exist for both single and multiple-visit endodontic treatments. Factors to be considered prior to the treatment are the operator’s ability and clinical experience, the preoperative tooth conditions (vital or nonvital tooth, symptomatic or asymptomatic, presence or absence of swelling), adequate treatment time, patient's time constraints, medical history and attitude, as well as anatomic and biologic considerations. 

This presentation will thoroughly review the literature on this topic. Additionally, clinical scenarios will be presented in order clinicians to familiarize with the selection of the appropriate treatment regimen. Lastly, possible complications regarding each approach and their clinical management will be discussed.