Related Experiment Videos
Biofilm formation in medicated root canals
John W Distel1, John F Hatton, M Jane Gillespie
1Graduate Endodontics Program, Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center, Missouri 63103, USA.
Journal of Endodontics
|October 26, 2002
Summary
Enterococcus faecalis may form biofilms in medicated root canals, resisting common treatments. This study observed biofilm formation in calcium hydroxide paste-treated canals, suggesting a resistance mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Endodontics
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Enterococcus faecalis is a common bacterium found in persistent root canal infections.
- Intracanal medications are used to eliminate bacteria, but treatment failures suggest resistance mechanisms.
- Biofilm formation is a known bacterial resistance strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that Enterococcus faecalis forms biofilms to resist intracanal medications.
- To investigate the in vivo biofilm formation of E. faecalis in medicated root canals.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning confocal laser microscopy were used to observe E. faecalis colonization.
- 46 extracted, medicated human teeth were analyzed.
- Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was used for protein profile analysis.
Main Results:
- SEM detected E. faecalis colonization within 2 days in calcium hydroxide points and control groups.
- Biofilms were detected in calcium hydroxide paste-medicated canals after an average of 77 days.
- Confocal microscopy showed viable colonies and biofilm structures in paste-treated canals over time.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis that Enterococcus faecalis can form biofilms in medicated root canals.
- Biofilm formation may represent a mechanism of resistance to intracanal medications.
- Further research is needed to analyze the protein profiles of biofilm bacteria.