Presence of Enterococcus Faecalis is associated to endodontic diagnosis in devitalized teeth

Abstract

Aim: Enterococcus faecalis has been associated with endodontic failure. It has the ability to resist the medication of root canals and to remain in a dormant state. This study aims to determine the association between the presence of E. faecalis and the endodontic diagnosis in devitalized teeth. Materials and Methods: This study evaluates the presence of E. faecalis in 85 samples of root canals of devitalized teeth that were classified according to diagnosis; the bacterial identification was done by microbiological culture. Results: The results show differences in the frequency of E. faecalis between diagnoses of teeth with non-vital pulp; Asymptomatic Apical Periodontitis had the highest frequency and Acute Periapical Abscess had the lowest (p=0.035, chi-square test). Of the total sample, Previously Treated Tooth diagnosis has greater frequency of E. faecalis, compared with Asymptomatic Apical Periodontitis and Pulpal Necrosis (p=0.006 and p=0.028, Fisher´s exact test). Conclusion: Finally, E. faecalis presence varies according to diagnosis in non-vital pulps; it is a potential agent in persistent endodontic infections, especially in Asymptomatic Apical Periodontitis and Previously Treated Tooth cases.