Microbiological analysis of root canals of primary teeth with pulp necrosis caused by caries or trauma

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the microorganisms detected from root canals of primary teeth with pulp necrosis caused by dental caries or trauma. Methodology: Microbial samples were taken from 44 cases in primary teeth with pulp necrosis either due to dental caries or trauma. DNA was extracted from the samples, which were analysed for the presence of fifteen endodontic pathogens by using PCR species-specific primers. Results: The bacteria most detected in necrotic primary teeth due to caries (37/44) were P. micra (76.3%), P. nigrescens (76.3%), A. naeslundii (47.4%), and F. nucleatum (42.1%). On the other hand, A. naeslundii (83.3%), T. forsythia (83.3%), P. nigrescens (66.7%), and F. nucleatum (66.7%) were most frequently recovered from a root canal with pulp necrosis due to trauma (7/44). Significant associations were found between the presence of P. micra and the existence of caries (p=0.023) and sinus tract (p=0.044). The presence of T forsythia was associated with the existence of trauma (p=0.035), and the presence of F. nucleatum was associated with pain on palpation (p=0.033). Conclusions: The microbiota recovered from root canals of primary teeth with pulp necrosis caused by dental caries or trauma is similar, with the predominance of anaerobic microorganisms