Endodontics and Microbiology of Root Canals

Of the major dental diseases, infection of the root canal is unique for the oral cavity since infection establishes where micro-organisms have not previously been present. The other microbial diseases of the oral cavity, caries and periodontal disease, develop at sites where a microbial bio film (you must understand that microbes in an infected root canal do not occur in vivo as separate colonies but grow within an extra cellular matrix in interconnected communities as microbial biofilm) is already stablished and disease occurs with a change in the environmental conditions, the type and mix of microbial flora.

Endodontic treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical, essentially is debridement for removal of the microbial eco-systems associated with the disease process.You must understand that adequate knowledge of the micro-organisms associated with endodontic disease is necessary to develop a basic understanding of the disease process and a sound rationale for effective management of patients with endodontic infections.

We will come to know about the delicate balance between the host (the tooth) and micro-organisms in the pathogenesis of endodontic disease. Some recommendations for treatment of endodontic infections has also been addressed to.