The relationship between secondary and persistent infections and failure of endodontic treatments

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present literature review was to discuss the relationship between secondary infections and persistent infections and endodontic treatment failure. Materials and Methods: We conducted a literature search including review articles and original research by searching the SciELO, Periódicos CAPES, PubMed and Medline databases using the following descriptors: endodontics, apical periodontitis, and infection. We included articles that were published between 1990 and 2016, and written in either English or Portuguese. Articles were selected after reading their abstracts and verifying their relevance to the review content. Results: The current literature seems to agree that inadequate disinfection of the root canal system, along with mechanisms of bacterial adaptation and resistance play an important role in endodontic treatment failure. However, there is still controversy regarding the role of Enterococcus faecalis in these failures. Conclusion: From the present study's findings, we can conclude that strict compliance to the proper endodontic techniques is fundamental for treatment success. Additionally, we believe that further studies using proteomic techniques may help fill the gaps regarding the main microorganisms associated with endodontic treatment failure as well as their mechanisms of action.