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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Khaleefah et al. (2025) studied this question.