Enterococcus faecalis: its role in root canal treatment failure and current concepts in retreatment.
Enterococcus faecalis is a microorganism commonly detected in asymptomatic, persistent endodontic infections. Its prevalence in such infections ranges from 24% to 77%. This finding can be explained by various survival and virulence factors possessed by E. faecalis, including its ability to compete with other microorganisms, invade dentinal tubules, and resist nutritional deprivation. Use of good aseptic technique, increased apical preparation sizes, and inclusion of 2% chlorhexidine in combination with sodium hypochlorite are currently the most effective methods to combat E. faecalis within the root canal systems of teeth. In the changing face of dental care, continued research on E. faecalis and its elimination from the dental apparatus may well define the future of the endodontic specialty.
Stuart
Charles H
CH
Department of Endodontics, Wilford Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, USA. charles.stuart@lackland.af.mil
Schwartz
Scott A
SA
Beeson
Thomas J
TJ
Owatz
Christopher B
CB
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000494:pharmacology; D019343:Citric Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000494:pharmacology; D013293:Enterococcus faecalis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006801:Humans; D010485:Periapical Periodontitis / Q000382:microbiology*; D011136:Polysorbates / Q000494:pharmacology; D019233:Retreatment; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000494:pharmacology; D012390:Root Canal Therapy; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000494:pharmacology; D037521:Virulence Factors
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; C475043:MTAD (intracanal irrigant); D011136:Polysorbates; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D037521:Virulence Factors; D019343:Citric Acid; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite; D004318:Doxycycline; D002710:Chlorhexidine