Root canal showdown: one visit or two? new study has answers

NCT ID NCT07354373

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at whether a root canal for an infected tooth with an abscess can be done in one visit instead of two. Fifty-nine adults received either a single-visit treatment or a two-visit treatment with a calcium hydroxide medication placed in between. After 12 months, both groups showed similar healing of the infection on X-rays and CT scans. The findings suggest that a single visit may be just as effective, potentially saving patients time and extra appointments.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Calcium hydroxide (interim medication)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could show that a single root canal visit is as effective as two visits, saving time and reducing patient discomfort.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed study with only 59 participants. Results may not apply to all patients, and the treatment is already standard care, so no major breakthrough is expected.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of California San Francisco School of dentistry

    San Francisco, California, 94143, United States

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