Review Article
Priyanka Ghogre
Abstract
An important consideration in endodontic treatment is the elimination of microorganisms, including fungi, from the complex three- dimensional root canal system. Yeasts can be detected in 7-17% of infected root canals. Candida albicans (CA) has a major role in endodontic treatment failure as the most important fungus isolated from the root canal system. C. albicans has been associated with root canal infections resistant to non-surgical therapy and a potent pathogen to infect periapical lesions. They are commonly associated with persistent cases of apical periodontitis, but yeasts can also be isolated in primary apical periodontitis. A variety of virulence factors enable C. albicans to adhere to and penetrate into dentine. Yeasts do not respond favourably to conservative root canal therapy, due to resistance against a commonly used medicament, calcium hydroxide. Thus, alternative therapeutic approaches and other intracanal medicaments are required to treat persistent cases of apical periodontitis.