Comparación de la eficacia del tratamiento endodóntico en una sola cita versus múltiples citas en dientes permanentes: una revisión actualizada de la literatura

Abstract

Endodontic treatment is a widely performed procedure, primarily aimed at preserving the affected tooth. Its most common indications include irreversible pulpitis and pulp necrosis, secondary to deep caries, dental trauma, or iatrogenic damage. This procedure can be completed in a single visit, through obturation after chemo-mechanical preparation, or in multiple visits, depending on the clinical case and the operator's expertise. The discussion regarding the preference between single-visit and multiple-visit endodontic treatments remains controversial, particularly concerning their influence on critical aspects such as postoperative pain and the healing process. An updated literature review could help determine which approaches are more effective in various clinical contexts. This literature review aimed to compare the efficacy of single-visit versus multiple-visit endodontic treatment in permanent teeth. Dental studies that evaluated the effectiveness of single-visit versus multiple-visit endodontic treatment in permanent teeth were selected. The search was conducted until October 3, 2024, in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases by two independent researchers. A total of 1,394 articles were identified, of which only 28 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. It was observed that evidence indicates that single-visit endodontic treatments may reduce postoperative pain by eliminating the discomfort that typically arises between appointments. However, multiple-visit treatments, especially those including the use of intracanal medication such as calcium hydroxide, may promote healing in cases of pulpal necrosis or severe periapical infections. The success of treatment depends on operator-dependent factors, which have been evaluated in the current literature.