Incidence of periapical lesions and clinical symptoms after pulpectomy—A clinical and radiographic evaluation of 1- versus 2-session treatment

Objective Outcome of pulpectomy in 2 treatment sessions with calcium hydroxide as an intracanal dressing was compared to a procedure comprising instrumentation and root-filling in 1 session. Study design Subjects with a vital pulp condition (N = 256) were recruited to a randomized clinical trial. Outcome parameters included radiographic signs of apical periodontitis and painful symptoms at clinical follow-ups 1 week and 1-3 years after treatment. Results Of 244 subjects available for final recall, 17 presented with periapical radiolucency. Lesions were evenly distributed among the 2 treatment groups. Postoperative pain recorded 1 week after permanent filling was significantly associated with overfilling ( P = .001), with no difference between treatment groups. There was no association with presence of overfilling and radiographic lesion at end point of recall. Conclusions Study confirms that pulpectomy may be carried out at a high rate of success if due attention is given to aseptic operating procedures, proper instrumentation and filling. Under these conditions an interappointment dressing with calcium hydroxide does not seem to influence outcome.