Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026
07:09
Use of a High-throughput In Vitro Microfluidic System to Develop Oral Multi-species Biofilms
Published on: December 1, 2014
14.1K
Biofilms in Endodontics-Current Status and Future Directions.
Prasanna Neelakantan1, Monica Romero2, Jorge Vera3
1Discipline of Endodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, China. prasanna@hku.hk.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 12, 2017
Summary
Root canal infections involve complex biofilms, making disinfection difficult. This review examines disinfectants and activation methods for effective biofilm removal to improve root canal treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Microbiota in endodontics exist as biofilms, distinct from planktonic forms.
- Root canal infections are primarily mediated by these complex, multi-species biofilms.
- The intricate root canal anatomy complicates biofilm eradication, leading to treatment failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of microbial biofilms in endodontic infections.
- To summarize current literature on root canal disinfectants and their efficacy.
- To discuss methods for activating disinfectants to enhance biofilm removal.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing endodontic literature.
- Focus on biofilm characterization and disruption strategies.
- Analysis of chemical disinfection and activation techniques.
Main Results:
- Biofilm persistence is a key factor in root canal treatment failure.
- Chemo-mechanical processes involving instruments and disinfectants are crucial for biofilm removal.
- Research is ongoing to characterize biofilms and improve disinfection protocols.
Conclusions:
- Effective root canal disinfection requires addressing biofilm challenges.
- Disinfectants and their activation methods are critical for successful treatment.
- Further research is needed to optimize biofilm removal strategies in endodontics.
