Biofilms in Endodontics

Endodontic disease is a biofilm-mediated infection and the elimination of bacterial biofilm from the root canal system remains the primary focus in the management of endodontic disease. Unfortunately the root canal environment is a challenging locale for eliminating surface-adherent biofilm bacteria. The complex anatomy of teeth and root canals creates an environment that is a challenge to instrument and clean. In addition the complex chemical environment of the root canal prevents antimicrobial irrigating solutions and medicaments from exerting their full potential against the microorganisms found in endodontic infections. Understanding how microbial biofilm communities form in health is an important step in determining how they develop and function in disease and how to develop effective control strategies. The ultrastructure of endodontic biofilms should be studied so as to provide a better understanding of its physiology ecology pathogenicity and response to treatment.This knowledge can be of utmost importance not only in promoting a refined understanding of endodontic biofilms but also in helping to develop better strategies for treatment.