One-appointment endodontic therapy: biological considerations.
BACKGROUND
The authors conducted a literature review to present the best available biological evidence concerning one-appointment endodontic therapy for asymptomatic teeth with apical periodontitis.


METHODS
Because of recent advances in technology, such as rotary engines and nickel-titanium instruments, some practitioners are performing one-appointment endodontic therapy for asymptomatic teeth with apical periodontitis. The authors reviewed the literature, which revealed only a small number of randomized, controlled clinical trials that have been conducted on one-appointment versus multiple-appointment endodontic therapy.


RESULTS
As the apical canal preparation is enlarged, a greater percentage of bacteria is eradicated from infected root canals. In addition, sufficiently large apical root canal enlargement facilitates the delivery of antimicrobial irrigant to the apical portion of the canal. However, an association between positive or negative preobturation root canal culture results and the outcome of endodontic treatment has not been well-established.


CONCLUSIONS
The best available evidence, based on a systematic literature review, indicates that one-appointment endodontic therapy may be feasible in selected cases of apical periodontitis in asymptomatic teeth. However, additional randomized, controlled clinical trials are required.
Lin
Louis M
LM
Department of Endodontics, New York University College of Dentistry, 345 24th Street, New York, NY 10010, USA. Lml7@nyu.edu
Lin
Jarshen
J
Rosenberg
Paul A
PA
D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D004708:Endodontics / Q000379:methods*; D017050:Episode of Care; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D009819:Office Visits / Q000639:trends; D010485:Periapical Periodontitis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D016369:Smear Layer; D016896:Treatment Outcome