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Infected Dentin and Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis Share a Core Microbiome
B P F A Gomes1, R Arruda-Vasconcelos2, L M Louzada3
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, Division of Endodontics, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
Journal of Endodontics
|July 22, 2026
Summary
Bacterial analysis of infected dentin (ID) and root canals in symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP) revealed a shared core microbiome. This finding supports the continuous spread of infection from dentin to the pulp.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dental Science
- Genomics
Background:
- Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP) involves complex bacterial infections.
- Understanding the microbial composition of infected dentin (ID) and root canals is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and compare bacterial taxa in infected dentin and root canals of teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.
- To elucidate the microbial ecological continuity in the dentin-pulp infection pathway.
Main Methods:
- High-throughput next-generation sequencing (16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing) was employed.
- Samples were collected from infected dentin and root canals of 20 teeth diagnosed with SIP.
- Microbial communities were analyzed at phylum, genus, and species levels.
Main Results:
- Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were predominant phyla in both ID and SIP samples.
- Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Olsenella were dominant genera.
- A shared core microbiome was identified, including specific species like Lactobacillus ultunensis and Streptococcus salivarius.
- Infected dentin showed a predominance of Gram-positive bacteria, while root canals had more Gram-negative anaerobes.
Conclusions:
- Infected dentin and root canal samples share a significant core microbiome.
- This microbial similarity supports the concept of ecological continuity in the progression of pulpitis infections.
- Findings provide insights into the microbial dynamics of endodontic infections.
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