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ABSTRACT
Endodontic biofilms: A matter of grave concern in dentistry
Gaganjot Kaur, Deep Singh , Rimple Gupta
ABSTRACT
Microoganisms irreversibly attach to the solid surfaces and secrete a mucilaginous matrix in which they get embedded and form biofilm. It is one of the basic survival strategies used by microorganisms in all ecosystems in response to stress or nutrient depletion. Clinically, biofilm-mediated persistent endodontic infections are the most frequently encountered lesions in the oral cavity which cause apical periodontitis. Eradicating stubborn endodontic biofilms is a herculean task because of its innate resistance to antimicrobial agents and its formation in anatomical complexities (minute areas) of root canal which are not accessible to mechanical instrumentation; this is giving headaches to dental practitioners because of the increased rate of endodontic treatment failure associated with inadequate removal of biofilms. The aim of this article is to review the role of biofilms in pulpal infections, types of endodontic biofilms, mechanism of antimicrobial resistance, challenges in biofilm elimination and strategies for combating biofilm.
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