Assessment of microbial flora in root canals and periodontal pockets of non-vital teeth with advanced periodontitis

Abstract

Background: The present study assessed microbial flora in root canal and periodontal pocket in advanced periodontitis.Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 20 teeth in 15 patients of both genders. Bacterial colonies were assessed by both culture and interference microscopy.Results: There were 31.2% cocci in root canal and 30% in periodontal pocket, rods were 22.5% in root canal and 21% in periodontal pocket, spirochetes were 4.3% in root canal and 3% in periodontal pocket, others were 42% in root canals and 46% in periodontal pockets. The difference was non- significant (P>0.05). There was predominance of Streptococcus (20%) in root canals and periodontal pocket (18%). The difference was non- significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Authors concluded that the occurrence of micro-organisms common to both sites root canal and periodontal pockets. Thus periodontal pocket may be a possible source of root canal infections.