Influence of Endodontic Procedure on the Adherence of Enterococcus faecalis

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of instrumentation and irrigation on the initial adherence of Enterococcus faecalis to root canal dentin and to explore initial microbial adhesion to root filling materials. Methods The following specimens were prepared: instrumented and uninstrumented dentin, dentin treated with different irrigation protocols, and root filling materials. The number of E. faecalis cells adhered on dentin was measured. The adhesion force of E. faecalis cells on different materials and the roughness of different surfaces were measured. The contact angle of the surfaces was recorded. The results were analyzed using the t test. Results Instrumented dentin specimens had a significantly higher amount of E. faecalis adherence than uninstrumented dentin. There were higher numbers of adhering bacteria on the dentin when EDTA was used alone ( P P P P P Conclusions Instrumentation and irrigation alter the initial adherence of E. faecalis to root canal dentin and the surface properties of the dentin as well.