OBSERVATION OF BACTERIA AND FUNGI IN INFECTED ROOT CANALS AND DENTINAL TUBULES BY SEM

The aim of this study was to observe the root canal flora and possible penetration of microorganisms into dentinal tubules in teeth with nec rotic pulps. Ten infected maxillary and mandibular molars with periapi cal lesions were extracted and fixed in 2.5% phosphate-buffered glutar aldehyde solution for nine days. After separation from the crowns, lon gitudinal grooves were cut in the roots, and they were split into two halves. The specimens were prepared for SEM. The root canals and the d entinal tubules of the fractured dentin were scanned systematically fr om the cervical to the apical area of the root. Cocci and rods were se en in 6 specimens. Penetration of bacteria into the dentinal tubules r anged from 10 to 150 mu m. In 4 specimens, the root canals were heavil y invaded by yeasts. The antimicrobial effect of routinely used endodo ntic disinfectants also on yeasts may be considered in persistent root canal infections.