Abstract

GUIMARAES, Nadine Luísa Soares de Lima et al. Microbiological evaluation of infected root canals and their correlation with pain. RSBO (Online) [online]. 2012, vol.9, n.1, pp. 31-37. ISSN 1984-5685.

Introduction and Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the endodontic microbiota of human teeth without pulp vitality presenting radiographically visible periapical lesions and its correlation with pre- and postoperative pain symptomatology. Material and methods: Sixteen young adult patients, both genders, aging from 18 to 45 years, presenting 21 single-rooted teeth with pulp necrosis and needing endodontic treatment were selected in the multidisciplinary clinic at the University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR). After crown surgical access, the root canals were embedded with 0.9% saline solution and the material from root canals was collected with sterile paper point. The paper points were placed into Stuart transport medium and sent to the microbiology laboratory of the University of Fortaleza. Isolation and identification of bacteria were made by culture technique. The cleaning and shaping of root canals was performed by crown-down technique. Intra-canal medication comprised calcium hydroxide mixed with chlorhexidine and after 14 days the canals were filled. Patients were asked about the occurrence of pain before treatment and 24 hours after cleaning and shaping procedures. Results: The most prevalent microbial group was Streptococcus sp. followed by Fusobacterium nucleatum, although Gram-positive cocci, non-sporulating Gram-positive bacilli, Gram-negative bacilli, pigmented Gram-negative bacilli, Veillonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas sp. were also frequently isolated. Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that Fusobacterium nucleatum and Gram-negative bacilli were more related to pre-operative pain. Regarding to postoperative pain, the most prevalent bacteria were Gram-positive cocci.

Keywords : microbiology; root canal; pain..