Journal of Endodontics
Volume 33, Issue 5 , Pages 536-540, May 2007

Detection and Eradication of Microorganisms in Root-filled Teeth Associated With Periradicular Lesions: An In Vivo Study

  • Jörg F. Schirrmeister, Dr. med. dent.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Clinic and Dental Hospital, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress requests for reprints to Dr. Jörg F. Schirrmeister, Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, University School and Dental Hospital, Hugstetter Straße 55, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany.
    • ,
  • Anna-Lisa Liebenow

      Affiliations

    • Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Clinic and Dental Hospital, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
    • ,
  • Gabriele Braun

      Affiliations

    • Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Clinic and Dental Hospital, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
    • ,
  • Annette Wittmer

      Affiliations

    • Department Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
    • ,
  • Elmar Hellwig, Dr. med. dent.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Clinic and Dental Hospital, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
    • ,
  • Ali Al-Ahmad, Dr. rer. nat.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Clinic and Dental Hospital, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany

published online 12 March 2007.

Abstract 

This study determined the presence of microorganisms by culture and polymerase chain reaction in asymptomatic root-filled teeth with periradicular lesions. Furthermore, a disinfecting regimen using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) irrigation, and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) dressing was assessed. After removal of the root-filling material, specimens of 20 cases undergoing retreatment were sampled. Moreover, the canals were sampled after each step of the disinfecting regimen. Prevalence of microorganisms was 60% by culture and 65% by polymerase chain reaction. In four of those samples (31%), DNA of Enterococcus faecalis was found. After further root canal preparation and irrigation using NaOCl and EDTA, microorganisms could be detected in none of the teeth. Thus, CHX and Ca(OH)2 could not show further disinfection. In contrast, microorganisms were found in two teeth after the interappointment dressing. It may be concluded that proper root canal preparation and irrigation using NaOCl and EDTA are sufficient for decontamination of the root canal system during endodontic retreatment.

Key Words: Calcium hydroxide, chlorhexidine digluconate, endodontic retreatment, Enterococcus faecalis, sodium hypochlorite

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PII: S0099-2399(07)00067-2

doi:10.1016/j.joen.2007.01.012

Journal of Endodontics
Volume 33, Issue 5 , Pages 536-540, May 2007

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