Assessment of access cavity disinfection for bacterial DNA and RNA before root canal sampling using molecular analysis

Document Type : Original articles

Authors

1 Department of Endodontic, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt

2 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology Gamasa 11152, Egypt

3 Head of the Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University.

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the bacterial DNA and RNA levels within the access ‎cavity before and after disinfection.   ‎
Materials and methods: Twenty-seven patients with necrotic teeth were included. Strict aseptic measures were ‎applied, including plaque removal, disinfection of teeth, and application of rubber dam, ‎using 30% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) followed by 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). ‎NaOCl activity was neutralised using 10% sodium thiosulfate with saline as the final rinse. ‎After access cavity preparation, bacterial DNA and RNA samples were collected using ‎sterile paper points, before and after using the same disinfection protocol. Samples were ‎verified by Real-time polymerase chain reaction using universal 16S rRNA primers. Data ‎were analysed using the Wilcoxon matched pairs and Fisher's exact tests. The significance ‎level was set at P<0.05. ‎
Results: Bacterial DNA and RNA levels were reduced following a disinfection protocol (P<0.0001). ‎Bacterial DNA was detected in all the pre- and post-disinfection samples. There was a ‎significant decrease in the proportion of patients with detectable RNA levels after ‎disinfection (P<0.0001). ‎
Conclusion: Access cavity disinfection before root canal sampling is crucial to avoid bacterial ‎infiltration into the root canal.‎

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Ain Shams Dental Journal
Volume 37, Issue 1
March 2025
Pages 195-202

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