New device for RCT tested
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- Published: Tuesday, 04 April 2017 07:56
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A new method of detecting bacteria during root canal treatments could improve results according to a study published in the Journal of Dental Research. The SafeRoot device, created by a team of researchers at King's College London, enables rapid bacterial detection inside the root canal, ensuring the procedure has been successful and reducing the need for tooth extraction or surgical intervention.
Around a quarter of root canal treatments fail over time due to secondary infections, and most procedures require one or two visits to the dentist. The SafeRoot device was created to detect any existing bacteria once the root canal treatment has been completed, with the aim of eliminating persistent or secondary infections and reducing the need for further treatments.
Through florescent dyes and fluorescence microscopy / spectroscopy, SafeRoot can optically detect minute amounts of residual live bacteria in the root canal space. Indeed, during trials the team were able to successfully detect bacterial cells after just three minutes of testing. Using conventional sterile endodontic paper points which are routinely used in root canal treatments, the process is performed during the treatment, preventing any impact on clinical treatment time and minimising additional clinical steps.
"The resilient nature of bacteria, combined with often complex root canal structures, make disinfection challenging, leading to a considerable number of persistent infections. This is one of the main causes of root canal treatment failures", explained Professor Francesco Mannocci, Professor of Endodontics from the Dental Institute at King's College London.
"SafeRoot will reduce the time for root canal completion and will increase the success rate of treatments by letting the dentist know when it's safe to proceed with filling the tooth. This should produce fewer acute 'flare-ups' and failed root treatments, as any residual infection in the root canal will be identified," said Professor Tim Watson from the Dental Institute.
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