Ultrastructural examination of failed molar retreatment with secondary apical periodontitis: an examination of endodontic biofilms in an endodontic retreatment failure

J Endod. 2009 Sep;35(9):1303-9. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2009.05.035.

Abstract

A light and electron microscope examination of the resected root tip of a failing endodontically re-treated lower molar was examined. The tooth had been initially treated 10 years ago and then re-treated 2 years ago. The resected root tip was sectioned axially, and thin sections were examined through the entire length of the specimen. Thin sections were examined with a transmission electron microscope. The thin sections were randomly chosen along the isthmus areas between the mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canals. Our findings suggest that a complex, variable, multispecies biofilm was present the entire length of the specimen.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Apicoectomy
  • Bacteria / ultrastructure
  • Biofilms*
  • Dental Restoration Failure*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Molar
  • Periapical Periodontitis / microbiology*
  • Periapical Periodontitis / surgery
  • Retreatment
  • Retrograde Obturation
  • Root Canal Therapy*
  • Tooth Apex / microbiology
  • Treatment Failure