Rationalized Endodontic Treatment by a Bacteriologic Direct Sampling Technique

¹ Departments of Endodontics and Oral Microbiology, School of Dentistry, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

This study investigated the possibility of reducing the number of treatments necessary in dealing with pulpless teeth. Bacteriologic sampling of root canals was carried out at first visits and at following visits, after antibacterial treatment with sodium hypochlorite solution and inactivation of the medicament. In 160 of 193 cases (83%), the number of visits was reduced by approximately one sitting per tooth.