title: Scanning electron microscopy of bacteria in the apical part of root canals in permanent teeth with periapical lesions.
abstract: The most apical 2 mm of the root canals of periapically diseased roots were examined for microorganisms by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Bacteria in this area were observed in 10 out of 12 (83.3%) cases. The two remaining cases exhibited bacteria more coronally, with tissue remnants between the bacterial front and the apical foramen. Rod-shaped bacteria dominated, but filaments, spirochetes and cocci were also seen. Cocci and rods sometimes formed micro-colonies. Occasionally, cocci were seen attached to filaments forming "corn-cob"-like structures. Deposits resembling bacterial plaque were also found inside the root canal. SEM is useful for studying microbial topography of the apical root canal.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology and Enodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Bergen, Norway.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Molven
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Olsen
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kerekes
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D001641:Bicuspid; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008963:Molar; D010483:Periapical Diseases / Q000382:microbiology*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure