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Single vs Two-session Root Canal Treatment: A Preliminary Randomized Clinical Study using Cone Beam Computed
Claudia de Castro Rizzi-Maia1, Etevaldo M Maia-Filho2, Paulo Nelson-Filho1
1Department of Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Aims:
To compare root canal treatment of teeth with apical periodontitis (AP) in a single or two visits, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Materials And Methods:
Twenty-six pairs of teeth (13 patients) were assigned to two groups: Group single-session (GSS): Instrumentation and root canal filling in the same session; and group two-session (GTS): A calcium hydroxide intracanal medication (Calen(®) paste) was used for 14 days between two sessions. Cone beam computed tomography scans were obtained before and 12 months after treatment. The pre- and postoperative volume of the AP lesions was measured in mm(3). The percentages of volume reduction was compared using Student's t-test and the existence of significant difference between the groups for cases with ≤ 50% or > 50% lesion volume reduction was assessed by chi-squared test ratio likelihood test (α = 5%).
Results:
The volume reduction was greater in GTS (79.25%) than GSS (68.35%), though without significant difference (p > 0.05). After 12 months, complete repair was not observed in any specimen. Lesion volume reduction > 50% was significantly greater with the use of an intracanal medication (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Twelve months posttreatment, CBCT did not show complete repair in any of the teeth, suggesting that this follow-up period is not sufficient for complete lesion regression. In both groups, similar AP lesion volume reduction was observed after 12 months, with a more advanced repair (> 50% volume reduction) in the teeth medicated with calcium hydroxide intracanal dressing.
Clinical Significance:
Calcium hydroxide intracanal dressing provided clinical evidence to indicate its use in teeth with apical periodontitis prior to definitive root canal filling.
