About this Research Topic
Endodontic infections almost invariably lead to pulpal necrosis, microbial colonization of the root canal system, and cause a host inflammatory reaction in periradicular tissues: an apical periodontitis (AP). The prevalence of AP remains remarkably high; in Europe, such lesions affect 34 to 61 % of individuals. Acute AP lesions account for most dental emergency interventions, and their exacerbated infectious forms are responsible for nearly 7000 hospitalizations each year in the US only. Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that chronic AP lesions may exert systemic deleterious effects, although it remains unclear whether these may be attributed to specific microbial effectors, or simply occur as part of a global infectious burden.
A thorough understanding of the microbial triggers responsible for AP is fundamental for effective decision making and successful endodontic therapy. The advent of omics-technologies during the past decade has substantially expanded our knowledge of the microbial diversity present within infected root canals, and has provided the first insights into the bacterial effectors expressed during an endodontic infection. Whereas these data constitute the core science of endodontic microbiology, one challenge that subsists is the gathering of data with higher translational value. These may include, for instance, the identification of latent antibiotic-resistance genes prior to a prescription when deemed necessary, or the determination of microbial profiles with prognostic value for vital pulp therapy or for periradicular healing. Altogether, the goal of this research topic is to highlight state-of-the-art research in endodontic microbiology, and to provide novel insights into the ecology of endodontic polymicrobial communities.
We welcome the submission of original articles, brief reports as well as systematic and narrative reviews, mini-reviews or opinion-type papers.
More specifically, themes include but are not limited to:
• A deeper taxonomic and functional characterisation of endodontic polymicrobial communities.
• The identification of microbial profiles or effectors associated with specific clinical situations.
• The investigation of potential systemic adverse effects of AP lesions.
A thorough understanding of the microbial triggers responsible for AP is fundamental for effective decision making and successful endodontic therapy. The advent of omics-technologies during the past decade has substantially expanded our knowledge of the microbial diversity present within infected root canals, and has provided the first insights into the bacterial effectors expressed during an endodontic infection. Whereas these data constitute the core science of endodontic microbiology, one challenge that subsists is the gathering of data with higher translational value. These may include, for instance, the identification of latent antibiotic-resistance genes prior to a prescription when deemed necessary, or the determination of microbial profiles with prognostic value for vital pulp therapy or for periradicular healing. Altogether, the goal of this research topic is to highlight state-of-the-art research in endodontic microbiology, and to provide novel insights into the ecology of endodontic polymicrobial communities.
We welcome the submission of original articles, brief reports as well as systematic and narrative reviews, mini-reviews or opinion-type papers.
More specifically, themes include but are not limited to:
• A deeper taxonomic and functional characterisation of endodontic polymicrobial communities.
• The identification of microbial profiles or effectors associated with specific clinical situations.
• The investigation of potential systemic adverse effects of AP lesions.
Keywords: Dental pulp, apical periodontitis, endodontic infection, polymicrobial communities, next-generation sequencing
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
