Endodontics

Root Canal Treatment in Diabetics: Does Number of Visits Matter?

A recent study suggests that no difference in pain perception was seen between single- and multiple-visit endodontics suggesting that single-visit, as well as...

Dr. Zainab Rangwala

Dr. Zainab Rangwala

Chief Dentist · GDCHJ

3 min read20,642 views
  • multiple visits
  • diabetes
  • root canal
  • professional education
  • single visit
  • dentistry
  • postoperative pain
  • Endodontics
  • Clinical & Academic Article

A recent study suggests that no difference in pain perception was seen between single- and multiple-visit endodontics suggesting that single-visit, as well as two-visit endodontic treatment, can be done in controlled diabetic patients.

Postoperative pain, even after meticulous endodontic therapy, can distress both the patient and the dentist. Factors associated with pain after endodontic treatment include age, sex, molar teeth, mandibular teeth, and the absence of periapical radiolucencies and procedural factors. However, the relationship between the systemic health of the patient and postoperative pain is rarely discussed in the literature.

Diabetes alters many functions of the immune system and is commonly associated with delayed healing and compromised immune responses. This predisposes to chronic inflammation, progressive tissue breakdown, and diminished tissue repair capacity, suggesting that diabetes may serve as a disease modifier in cases of endodontic infections.

After initial screening, 90 patients with a diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis were included in this study. The recruitment ratio was 1:2, that is, for every diabetic individual two nondiabetic individuals were enrolled in the study. Group A had 30 T2DM patients and Group B had 60 patients who were nondiabetic. Each group was further subdivided into single-visit (subgroup 1) and two-visit (subgroup 2) using a set of random numbers.

Steps of treatment in 1st visit: The first visit included local anesthesia, rubber dam isolation, access cavity preparation, working length determination, and shaping and cleaning till F1. Each canal was irrigated with 3% sodium hypochlorite. Final irrigation was carried out using 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, followed by normal saline as a final flush.

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References

  1. [1]Duncan HF, Kirkevang LL, Peters OA, et al.. Treatment of pulpal and apical disease: The European Society of Endodontology S3-level clinical practice guideline International Endodontic Journal. 2023. Available at: source
  2. [2]American Association of Endodontists. Clinical Guidelines and Position Statements American Association of Endodontists. Available at: source

Written by

Dr. Zainab Rangwala

Dr. Zainab Rangwala

Chief Dentist · GDCHJ

With over 12 years of clinical experience, Dr. Zainab Rangwala brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and communication excellence to her role as the Media and PR Head at DentalReach. Passionate about bridging the gap between dentistry and digital communication, she plays a key role in shaping the platform’s voice and outreach.

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