Endodontists perceptions of single and multiple visit root canal treatment: a survey in Florianópolis – Brazil

Resumo

One of the main debates that have occurred in
Endodontics is about the amount of sessions required to complete an
appropriate treatment. There are very different philosophies regarding
this matter. Objective: to the aim of this study was to investigate the
Endodontists’ point of view regarding single and multiple visit root
canal treatment, identifying the basis on which the choice is made and
how the information necessary for the choice is acquired. Material
and methods: Endodontists registered in the dental practice board
of Florianópolis/SC were contacted, and if they agreed to participate,
they were interviewed using a questionnaire. The following topics
were addressed: demographics, current clinical procedures, treatment
rationales and preferences. Forty-three endodontists agreed to
participate in the study. Results: Single visit endodontic treatment is
carried out in 59.5% of biopulpectomy cases, 31.0% of necropulpectomy
cases without lesion and only 11.9% in necropulpectomy cases with
periapical lesion. The presence of vital pulp (81.4%) and a canal without exudate (93.0%) are the most important criteria for carrying
out single visit endodontic treatment. The most used intracanal
medication was calcium hydroxide. The lack of studies comparing
long-term success on single visit endodontic treatment is considered
an important issue to determine this therapy. Conclusion: It can be
concluded that Florianopolis-Brazil endodontists prefer multiple visit
over single visit root canal treatment in pulp necrosis cases. When
pulp vitality is not compromised there is an increase in the number
of endodontists who choose single visit root canal treatment.