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Updated: Oct 5, 2026
In Situ Detection of Bacteria within Paraffin-embedded Tissues Using a Digoxin-labeled DNA Probe Targeting 16S rRNA
Published on: May 21, 2015
Polymerase chain reaction detection of Treponema denticola in endodontic infections within root canals
J F Siqueira1, I N Rôças, A Favieri
1Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Estácio de Sá University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. siqueira@estacio.br
Aim:
A 16S rDNA-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used to detect the occurrence of Treponema denticola in root canals.
Methodology:
Samples were collected from 54 single-rooted teeth having carious lesions and necrotic pulps. DNA extracted from the samples was amplified using the PCR assay, which yielded a specific fragment of T. denticola 16S rDNA.
Results:
T. denticola was detected in 10 of 29 asymptomatic cases (34.5%), eight of 15 root canals that were tender to percussion (53.3%), and five of 10 teeth with acute periradicular abscess (50%). In general, T. denticola was found in 23 of 54 cases (42.6%).
Conclusions:
Findings suggest that T. denticola can be involved in the pathogenesis of periradicular lesions of endodontic origin.