A STUDY ON SINGLE VISIT VERSUS MULTIPLE VISIT ROOT CANAL THERAPY
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Keywords
Apical, Peri-apical, intracanal medicament, Root canal treatment and Pulpitis.
Abstract
Background: Root canal therapy (RCT) is a fundamental treatment modality in endodontics aimed at eliminating pulpal infection and preserving natural dentition. The debate between single-visit and multiple-visit RCT remains unresolved, with clinical decisions often influenced by operator preference, case complexity, and patient compliance. Single-visit RCT is associated with reduced chair-time and enhanced patient convenience, while multiple-visit RCT traditionally includes intracanal medicament placement believed to reduce bacterial load and improve Peri-apical healing.
Aim of the Study: To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes, incidence of postoperative pain, and treatment efficacy of single-visit versus multiple-visit root canal therapy in permanent teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis or necrotic pulp.
Methods: This comparative prospective clinical study was conducted on 120 patients (60 per group) undergoing RCT at a tertiary dental care center. Patients were randomly assigned to single- visit or multiple-visit groups. The same operator performed all treatments under aseptic conditions using standardized instrumentation with rotary NiTi files and obturation by lateral condensation technique. Intracanal medicaments (calcium hydroxide) were used in the multiple-visit group. Postoperative pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Clinical and radiographic follow-up was conducted at 3 and 6 months to assess periapical healing and treatment success.
Results: Postoperative pain was significantly higher at 24 hours in the single-visit group (p value at <0.05), but no significant difference was noted beyond 48 hours. Radiographic healing at 6 months was comparable between groups, with 90% success in single-visit and 92% in multiple-visit cases (p value at < 0.05). No statistically significant difference in long-term treatment success was observed.
Conclusion: Both single-visit and multiple-visit root canal therapies demonstrated comparable clinical outcomes and success rates. Although transient postoperative pain was slightly higher in the single-visit group, it resolved within 48 hours. Given its operational efficiency, reduced appointments, and similar healing outcomes, single-visit RCT can be considered a reliable alternative in selected cases without peri-apical pathology or systemic complications.
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Dr. D. Kishore
Associate Professor of Dentisry, Viswabharathi Medical College and General Hospital, Penchikalapadu, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
Dr Shravya Reddy
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Viswabharathi Medical College and General Hospital, Penchikalapadu, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
Dr Suhail
Assistant Professor of Dentistry, Viswabharathi Medical College and General Hospital, Penchikalapadu, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh