Scanning electron microscopy studies of biofilm in teeth with chronic apical periodontitis

INTRODUCTION. For a long time, the inflammatory process can be asymptomatic in the periapical space. Apical periodontitis is often associated with the presence of biofilm. The latter has a great influence on the prognosis of endodontic treatment. AIM. Using scanning electron microscopy, to determine the presence and localization of biofilm and micro-flora in the roots of teeth with chronic apical periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Grins of 6 roots of teeth with chronic forms of apical periodontitis were studied for detection of microflora using the scanning electron microscopy method. RESULTS. In 100% of cases, biofilm was found in the root canals of teeth with chronic forms of apical perio-dontitis. It was located focally, unevenly capturing different areas of both the root canal and the surrounding dentin of the tooth root. DISCUSSION. Biofilm is observed in the necrotic dentin of the cervical third of the root canal, covers the pulp tissue of the tooth, penetrates into the thickness of the dentin. Microflora fills the lumen of the dentinal tu-bules, but does not penetrate through the intact cementum of the tooth root. CONCLUSIONS. Microflora in the root canals of teeth with chronic forms of apical periodontitis is present not only in the form of individual cultures, but mainly in the form of biofilm, which covers not only the canal, but also penetrates to different depths into the thickness of the dentin of the tooth root. Biofilm covers dentin unevenly in different parts of the root. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.