Prevalence of microorganisms in root canals of human deciduous teeth with necrotic pulp and chronic periapical lesions

Pesqui Odontol Bras. 2003 Oct-Dec;17(4):367-71. doi: 10.1590/s1517-74912003000400013. Epub 2004 Apr 19.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate bacterial prevalence in 31 root canals of human deciduous teeth with necrotic pulp and periapical lesions using bacterial culture. After crown access, the material was collected using absorbent paper points for microbiological evaluation and determination of colony forming units (CFU). Anaerobic microorganisms were found in 96.7% of the samples, black-pigmented bacilli in 35.5%, aerobic microorganisms in 93.5%, streptococci in 96.7%, and S. mutans in 48.4%. We concluded that in human deciduous teeth root canals with necrotic pulp and periapical lesions the infection is polymicrobial, with a large number of microorganisms and a predominance of streptococci and anaerobic microorganisms.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Dental Pulp Cavity / microbiology*
  • Dental Pulp Cavity / pathology
  • Dental Pulp Necrosis / microbiology*
  • Dental Pulp Necrosis / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Periapical Diseases / microbiology*
  • Periapical Diseases / pathology
  • Streptococcus / isolation & purification
  • Tooth, Deciduous / microbiology*
  • Tooth, Deciduous / pathology