Bacteremia after Endodontic Procedures in Patients with Heart Disease: Culture and Molecular Analyses.

Introduction: Infective endocarditis (IE) is still associated with high mortality, and antibiotic prophylaxis strategies are under intense debate. We evaluated the incidence of bacteremia after root canal preparation in teeth with necrotic pulps and apical periodontitis.

Methods: Blood samples were taken before and 5 and 30 minutes after endodontic treatment in teeth with apical periodontitis from individuals at high (n = 21) or no risk (n = 11) for IE.