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Bacterial invasion into radicular dentine-an in vitro study
Simone Stauffacher1, Adrian Lussi1, Sandor Nietzsche2
1Department of Preventive, Restorative and Pediatric Dentistry, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 7, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland.
Clinical Oral Investigations
|October 11, 2016
Summary
Bacterial invasion into root dentinal tubules is species-specific. Co-culturing with oral streptococci can alter the invasiveness of other bacteria, impacting root canal infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Endodontics
- Dental Research
Background:
- Root canal infections often involve polymicrobial communities.
- Understanding bacterial invasion into dentinal tubules is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the invasiveness of common root canal bacteria into radicular dentinal tubules.
- To compare the invasion patterns of monocultured versus co-cultured bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Human roots were incubated with monocultured and co-cultured bacteria (Streptococcus species, capnophiles/anaerobes) for 8 weeks.
- Bacterial presence in dentine was assessed by culturing from different root thirds.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to visualize bacterial invasion.
Main Results:
- Monocultured gram-positive species penetrated dentine. Prevotella intermedia and Porphyromonas gingivalis were found in inner/middle thirds.
- Co-culturing with streptococci increased bacterial load in all thirds.
- Streptococci facilitated Fusobacterium nucleatum invasion, with SEM showing swollen bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial invasiveness into dentinal tubules is species-dependent and influenced by co-culturing.
- Oral streptococci can modulate the invasion of capnophiles/anaerobes into radicular dentine, affecting infection dynamics.
