REDEFINING THE CAUSE FOR THE PERSISTENT INFECTION OF ENDODONTICALLY TREATED TEETH.
Aim: To address the cause of persistent infection of root canal treated teeth.
Materials and Methods: 60 human single-rooted teeth divided into three groups. Group I (control group): no access opening and one-third of the apical root sealed using varnish. Group II: no preparation of teeth samples. In group III, apical root cementum was exposed to lactic acid and roughened using diamond point to mimic apical resorption. In group II & III E. faecalis broth was inoculated in the root canals and apical one-third of the tooth was immersed in the broth for 8 weeks with alternate day refreshment followed by biomechanical preparation, obturation and coronal seal. Apical one-third of all teeth samples were again immersed in the broth for 8 weeks to mimic secondary infection. The teeth were split into two halves and observed under confocal microscope. Results: E. faecalis penetrated 160 μm deep into the root cementum in group III samples and only showed adhesion in group II samples.
Conclusion: Adhesion and Penetration of E. faecalis into the cementum could be the reason for persistent infection.
Rahul Halkai
Kalaburgi(gulbarga), In