Endodontic emergency dilemma: leave tooth open or keep it closed?

Various methods of emergency endodontic treatment for teeth with vital pulps have been suggested, and some authors have advised that the access be left open if the tooth is tender to percussion. This study evaluated 225 open and closed teeth which were referred after emergency treatment where pulps had been vital. When the access had been left open, a statistically significant greater number of appointments were needed to complete treatment and more intratreatment exacerbations occurred than when the tooth was kept sealed.