Microorganisms are the main cause of endodontic infections. They occur after the microbial invasion of the root canal system and periapical tissues. These microorganisms organize mainly in biofilms that show an increased resistance to antimicrobial agents and host defense cells. The microbial composition of the biofilm, as determined through study of the microbiome, indicates that such infections are polymicrobial, very heterogenous, showing high inter-individual variability. The ultimate goal of endodontic treatment is to eliminate intraradicular and extraradicular biofilms, and prevent any newly arriving microorganisms from infecting or reinfecting the root canal. The choice of proper strategies to avoid or eliminate infection is therefore key for the success of root canal treatment.
Objectives
- The microbial factors involved in cases of endodontic failure
- The endodontic microbiome
- The different strategies used to eliminate biofilms from infected dentine