Abstract:

Enterococcus faecalis(E.faecalis) is the most commonly detected bacteria in post-treatment endodontic disease, with a detection rate that ranges from 24% to 77% in reinfected root canal. The pathogenicity of E.faecalis is highly correlated with the formation of biofilms and presents a complex relationship to drug resistance. This association is the key factor in chronic infections in the root canal. Primary methods, including bacterial culture and PCR, are used to detect E.faecalis. PCR is more sensitive to E.faecalis in the infected root canals than bacterial culture. Methods on removal of E.faecalis in post-treatment endodontic disease vary and provide different results, particularly inhibition rate. The use of 2% chlorhexidine gel results in 100% inhibition of bacterial growth compared with using 10% chlorpromazine(88.8%), 4% lignocaine gel(76.4%), and 5% amiloride hydrochloride(71.4%). Moreover, mixture-tetracycline-isomer-acid-detergent, QMiX, and NaClO are more effective than 2% chlorhexidine. In addition, erbium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser can eliminate E.faecalis biofilm. This article reviewed different correlation studies regarding pathogenicity, detection, and elimination of E.faecalis in post-treatment endodontic disease.

Key words: post-treatment endodontic disease, Enterococcus faecalis, reinfected root canal, pathogenicity, detection, elimination