Microbial Flora of Root Canals of Pulpally-infected Teeth: Enterococcus faecalis a Prevalent Species.

Background And Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the microorganisms prevalent in the necrotic dental pulp and root canals of unsuccessfully treated teeth.

Materials And Methods: The present study was conducted on 150 single-rooted teeth of patients referring to a dental clinic. Sampling was performed by placing a sterile paper point in the canal for 60 s. Bacterial samples were evaluated by a microbiological technique specific for anaerobic species, used for isolation and identification of sampled strains.

Results: From the 150 samples taken, 101 were from necrotic pulps (primary infection) and 49 were from the teeth with an unsuccessful endodontic treatment (secondary infection).

Conclusion: Enterococcus faecalis was a prevalent species in the failed root canals evaluated.