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Enterococcus spp. in endodontically treated teeth with and without periradicular lesions.
Blythe Kaufman1, Larz Spångberg, Jody Barry
1Department of Endodontology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, USA.
Journal of Endodontics
|November 25, 2005
Summary
Bacteria are significantly linked to endodontic treatment failure. However, this study found that Enterococcus species are not associated with disease in treated teeth, despite their presence.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Endodontically treated teeth can harbor bacteria, potentially leading to treatment failure.
- Periradicular lesions indicate infection or inflammation around the tooth root.
- Understanding microbial prevalence is crucial for diagnosing endodontic treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Enterococcus species in endodontically treated teeth.
- To compare Enterococcus spp. presence in teeth with and without periradicular lesions.
- To determine the association of Enterococcus spp. with endodontic treatment failure.
Main Methods:
- DNA extraction and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification were used.
- Universal 16S rDNA bacterial primers and Enterococcus spp.-specific primers were employed.
- Two endodontists diagnosed periradicular lesions in 58 retreated teeth.
Main Results:
- Overall bacterial prevalence was 90%; Enterococcus spp. prevalence was 12%.
- A significant relationship exists between periradicular lesions and bacterial presence (p = 0.032).
- Enterococcus spp. showed a significant association with teeth having a normal periapex (p = 0.023).
Conclusions:
- Bacteria are significantly associated with endodontic treatment failure.
- Enterococcus species were not found to be associated with disease in this study.
- Findings suggest bacteria, not specifically Enterococci, are key indicators of endodontic failure.