Microbial Flora of Root Canal Treatment Failure Cases

Objectives:The study aimed to examine the microbial flora within the root canals of treatment failure cases.

Methods:Twenty-two root filled teeth with apical periodontitis were selected. During nonsurgical retreatment, the microbial samples were taken from the canals and root filling materials. Microbial sampling, isolation and species determination were performed using microbiology techniques for anaerobic species. Results:Microorganisms were recovered from nineteen root canals. The microbial flora within root canals of poor treatment teeth was found to be mixed and usually contained 0-3 species per canal. The microbial flora within root canals of well treatment teeth was found to be single species. Enterococcus faecalis was the most frequently recovered species with isolate rate of 42%. Significant associations were not observed between the various species and clinical features.

Conclusions:The main cause of root canal treatment failure was persistent microorganisms. Enterococcus faecalis was the most commonly isolated species within canals of treatment failure cases.