6 - Endodontic infection Flashcards
1
Q
What is endodontic infection?
A
- usually secondary to tooth infection/trauma
- derived from endogenous microflora (found in the mouth)
- often opportunistic infections
2
Q
What are the normal bacteria associated with endodontic infection?
A
- bacteroides
- prevotella
- lactobacillus
- streptococcus
- clostridium
- fusobacterium
3
Q
Describe primary endodontic infections.
A
- polymicrobial
- dominated by gram negative anaerobic rods
- e. faecalis is found in 4-40% of infections
4
Q
Describe secondary endodontic infections.
A
- only a few bacterial species
- dominated by gram positive bacteria
- 9x more likely to contain e. faecalis than 1y
5
Q
What is e. faecalis?
A
- enterococcus faecalis
- gram positive coccus found in pairs or alone
- facultative anaerobe
- aggregative and adhesive in biofilm formation (LTA)
- superoxide formation
6
Q
Define facultative anaerobe.
A
An organism that can create ATP from oxygen when present, but switch to anaerobic methods in the absence of oxygen
7
Q
How does candida albicans affect endodontic infections?
A
- combines with e faecalis in infection
- can block dentinal tubules and create tolerance to treatment regimes
- assists in rebound of infection
8
Q
What is the best combination to treat secondary endodontic infections?
A
Sodium hypochlorite and EDTA
