Enterococcus faecalis in Endodontics,b/>: a challenge to success

Abstract

Enterococcus faecalis are normally inhabitants of thehuman oral cavity, and are opportunistic pathogens. These microorganisms are frequently detected in asymptomatic persistent endodontic infections. This study proposes to review the scientific bibliography about these bacteria, pointing out and discussing their structural characteristcs, virulence factors and resistance to antibiotics, justifying their prevalence in cases of insucessful root canal treatment and their extensive use in Endodontics research. The principal characteristics of E. faecalis which explain their high prevalence in insuccessful endodontic therapy are the ability to form biofilm and their low susceptibility to calcium hydroxide. Given their importance, E. faecalis have been used as standard in Endodontics studies.