PEREIRA, Tatiana Cristina Silveira et al. Polymerase chain reaction technique as a diagnostic tool for bacterial detection in root canals of cleft lip and palate patients. RGO, Rev. gaúch. odontol. (Online) []. 2010, 58, 2, pp. 151-154. ISSN 1981-8637.

OBJETIVE: Polymerase chain reaction is the most sensitive of all microbiological methods for the detection of microorganisms. It consists of enzymatic amplification of DNA. PCR is faster, much more sensitive and more accurate than the culture method. This study investigated the occurrence of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis in the root canals of cleft lip and palate patients. METHODS: Samples were collected from 24 root canals followed by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected in 12.5% and P. gingivalis in 8.3% of the investigated root canals. The method proposed in this study was highly sensitive and specific for the direct detection of microorganisms in root canal samples. CONCLUSION: This new molecular-based dentistry provides useful information for clarifying the etiology of root canal microbiota and for developing new strategies for endodontic diagnosis and treatment.

: cleft lip; cleft palate; dental pulp cavity; polymerase chain reaction.