Detection of bacteria in the pulp chamber and root canal space using laser fluorescence

摘要

Real-time assessment of the microbial status of the root canal system would be useful in clinical practice for determining when to conclude, discontinue, terminate or finish biomechanical preparation. This study employed the DIAGNOdent laser fluorescence device with a prototype sapphire tip designed for periodontal assessment, for analysing the pulp chamber and coronal third of the root canal system in extracted teeth. The fluorescence properties of bacterial cultures, mono-species biofilms in root canals, pulpal soft tissues and sound dentine were also evaluated, together with 50 extracted teeth with known endodontic pathology.