Single vs Two-session Root Canal Treatment: A Preliminary Randomized Clinical Study using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.
OBJECTIVE
To compare root canal treatment of teeth with apical periodontitis (AP) in a single or two visits, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).


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).


CONCLUSIONS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Calcium hydroxide intracanal dressing provided clinical evidence to indicate its use in teeth with apical periodontitis prior to definitive root canal filling.
Department of Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Claudia
C
de Castro Rizzi-Maia
Professor Department of Dentistry, CEUMA University, Sao Luis Maranhao, Brazil, Phone: +55(98)981803085, e-mail: emmaiafilho@yahoo.com.br.
Etevaldo M
EM
Maia-Filho
Department of Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Paulo
P
Nelson-Filho
Department of Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Raquel Ab
RA
Segato
Department of Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Alexandra M
AM
de Queiroz
Department of Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Francisco Wg
FW
Paula-Silva
Department of Dentistry, CEUMA University, Sao Luis Maranhao, Brazil.
Sângela M
SM
da Silva Pereira
Department of Integrated Dental Science, Faculty of Dentistry University of Cuiaba, Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
Alvaro H
AH
Borges
Department of Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Léa Ab
LA
da Silva
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010485:Periapical Periodontitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide
Apical periodontitis; Calcium hydroxide; Cone beam computed tomography; Root canal treatment; Single session.