The purpose of this study was to investigate the pattern of bacterial
invasion of dentinal tubules at different regions in human roots. Spec
imens were obtained from single-rooted teeth that had their root canal
s prepared in a standard manner, Roots were then sectioned longitudina
lly through the canals and the resulting specimens chemically treated
to remove the smear layers, Specimens were immersed in a suspension of
Streptococcus gordonii for 3 weeks and then prepared for histological
analysis, Sections from the cervical, midroot, and apical areas were
examined, The pattern of bacterial infection of the cervical and midro
ot areas was similar, characterized as a heavy infection with bacteria
penetrating as deep as 200 mu m. Invasion of the apical dentin was si
gnificantly different, with a mild infection and maximum penetration o
f 60 mu m.