One-visit versus two-visit root canal treatment in single rooted teeth, a cone-beam computed tomography study

Treatment outcome of single- versus multiple-visit root canal treatment for necrotic teeth with peri apical lesion is in dispute. Two-dimensional radiography has a low sensitivity for apical periodontitis. In this study, cone beam computed tomography was utilized to compare the mean volume reduction of peri apical lesion in single rooted teeth treated either with one- or two-visit. In this randomized controlled trial, necrotic anterior or premolar teeth accompanied by a periapical lesion (2-5 mm) were included. Following thorough explanation of the study and taking written informed consent, twenty-six healthy patients were entered into the study. According to a predetermined standard protocol, each tooth was randomly treated in one- or two-visit. All teeth were permanently restored within two weeks after completion of endodontic treatment. In one year follow-up, teeth were clinically examined and recall CBCT images were compared with pretreatment CBCT. The change in peri apical lesion volume was analyzed using Mann-Whitney test. At one-year follow up 11 patients from one-visit and 10 from two- visit group returned for reevaluation. All teeth were functional and no sign or symptoms existed. All teeth showed reduced periapical lesion volume. Two teeth showed complete healing; both were from 2-visit group. The lesion volume reduction was within 75-100% in 81.8% and 70% of cases of one- and two-visit group, respectively. The mean lesion volume reduction (%) was calculated 81.14%?26.98 in one-visit and 81.7?24.65 in two-visit group. The results of this study showed no statistical significant difference between the two study groups (p=0.557). Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that the peri apical lesion volume change was not affected by the number of treatment visits after one-year.