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Fungi in endodontic infections

José F Siqueira1, Bilge H Sen

  • 1Department of Endontics, School of Dentistry, Estácio de Sá University, Rio de Janiero, Brazil. siqueira@estacio.br

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics
|May 22, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Fungi, particularly Candida albicans, contribute to persistent endodontic infections and periradicular diseases due to virulence factors and resistance to treatments. Effective intracanal medications are being explored to combat these fungal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Endodontics
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Fungi are chemoorganotrophs implicated in endodontic infections and periradicular diseases.
  • Virulence factors like adaptability, adhesion, enzyme production, and biofilm formation contribute to fungal pathogenesis.
  • Fungi, especially Candida albicans, are frequently found in failed root canal treatments and exhibit dentinophilic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of fungi in endodontic infections and periradicular diseases.
  • To highlight the virulence attributes of fungi, particularly Candida albicans.
  • To discuss the potential of various intracanal medicaments against fungal infections in endodontics.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on fungal roles in endodontic infections.
  • Analysis of fungal virulence factors and pathogenicity mechanisms.
  • Evaluation of existing and potential intracanal medicaments for antifungal efficacy.

Main Results:

  • Candida albicans is the most common fungal species in infected root canals, showing invasiveness towards dentin.
  • This species exhibits resistance to common intracanal medicaments like calcium hydroxide.
  • Fungal invasion of dentinal tubules contributes to persistent root canal infections.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal infections, especially by Candida albicans, are a significant factor in persistent endodontic and periradicular diseases.
  • The dentinophilic nature and drug resistance of Candida albicans complicate treatment outcomes.
  • Medicaments such as chlorhexidine digluconate, specific calcium hydroxide combinations, and EDTA show promise for managing fungal endodontic infections.

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