Polymerase chain reaction detection of Treponema denticola in endodontic infections within root canals

Aim A 16S rDNA-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used to detect the occurrence of Treponema denticola in root canals. Methodology Samples were collected from 54 single-rooted teeth having carious lesions and necrotic pulps. DNA extracted from the samples was amplified using the PCR assay, which yielded a specific fragment of T. denticola 16S rDNA. Results T. denticola was detected in 10 of 29 asymptomatic cases (34.5%), eight of 15 root canals that were tender to percussion (53.3%), and five of 10 teeth with acute periradicular abscess (50%). In general, T. denticola was found in 23 of 54 cases (42.6%). Conclusions Findings suggest that T. denticola can be involved in the pathogenesis of periradicular lesions of endodontic origin.