Evaluation of leakage of bacteria and endotoxins in teeth treated endodontically by two different techniques

Root canal recontamination occurs after contact between oral-bacterial flora and the coronal extremity of the root canal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the time required for endotoxins and bacteria to penetrate through root-canal obturations performed with vertical and lateral gutta-percha condensation techniques. Specimens prepared by the two alternative methods were exposed to contaminated saliva, and leakage into the root was evaluated over time. None of the obturated roots was infiltrated by endotoxins after 31 days. On the contrary, between day 13 and day 37 bacteria had infiltrated all specimens. Copyright © 2002 by The American Association of Endodontists.