European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

BIOFILM MANAGEMENT IN CONTEMPORARY AND PROSPECTIVE ENDODONTICS

Dr. Maitreyi J. Desai*, Dr. K. J. Nandakishore and Dr. R. Vinay Chandra

ABSTRACT

Endodontic biofilm existing in the form of aggregates and a co-aggregate attached by glycocalyx membrane is considered as primary etiology for endodontic infections. Endodontic microbiota is more complex and far more diverse than expected. The biofilm protects bacteria from host defenses and increase their resistance to intracanal disinfecting protocols. Understanding the virulence of these endodontic microbiota within biofilm is essential for the development of novel therapeutic procedures for intracanal disinfection. The primary goal of endodontic treatment is to eliminate the biofilm from root canal walls. Both the disruption of biofilms and the killing of their bacteria are necessary for effective treatment. Irrespective of the quality of the endodontic treatment, most treatment failures are due to persistence of infection. As stated by Siqueira et al., ‗The very high frequency of biofilms in the root canals of treated teeth with post-treatment disease may be interpreted as indirect evidence that, depending on location and possible species composition, biofilms can be a challenge for proper root canal disinfection.‘ Thus, it is all the more imperative to focus on antibiofilm strategies in order to achieve successful endodontic outcomes. This review paper will aim to address the advanced protocols in Endodontic Biofilm management and their importance.

Keywords: Endodontic Biofilm, Root canal disinfection, Intracanal irrigants, Antimicrobial activity, Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, Laser disinfection, Antibacterial nanoparticles, Ultrasonic activation.