The value of the bacteriological culture in endodontics. II. The bacteriological flora of endodontic specimens

Summary A correlation was found between the presence of micro‐aerophilic micro‐organisms and the periapical radiolucency in teeth with a necrotic closed pulp. No correlation was found between micro‐aerophilic, anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, the presence of a periapical radiolucency and the clinical diagnosis. (This in contrast to the results of Winkler & Van Amerongen 1959). The presence of a periapical radiolucency alone did not permit any conclusion about the bacteriological status. The possible pathogenic role of the isolated bacteria has to be elucidated further before any conclusion is possible. In the absence of a periapical radiolucency the chance of a positive bacteriological result is low (28 per cent) and justifies the omission of bacteriological cultures.