Antibacterial Treatment in Periodontal and Endodontic Therapy, 3rd Edition

A special issue of Antibiotics (ISSN 2079-6382).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 4879

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Clinic for Operative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
Interests: periodontology; endodontology; cariology; photodynamics; laser dentistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Clinic for Operative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
Interests: periodontology; endodontology; cariology; photodynamics; laser dentistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We have published two successful editions of the Special Issue “Antibacterial Treatment in Periodontal and Endodontic Therapy", and this encourages us to open a third edition focused on the same topic.

Diseases in the oral cavity are usually associated with the formation of a bacterial biofilm, the removal of which forms the basis of systematic therapeutic measures. Treatment in periodontology and endodontics also aims to remove such biofilms. In addition to local antimicrobial approaches, the use of an antibiotic that is effective against the individual bacterial spectrum may be necessary in some cases in order to control disease processes and prevent the spread of inflammatory processes to other areas of the body. However, the possible side effects on the organism as a whole or even the development of resistance must be taken into account. Alternative approaches such as antimicrobial photochemical, photodynamic and photothermal methods also utilise laser energy to achieve a toxic effect on microorganisms. In the treatment of periodontitis of different stages and severity as well as endodontic therapy measures, adjunctive applications to conventional approaches show promising results and could therefore represent a useful addition to existing periodontal and endodontic antimicrobial treatment approaches.

Volume 3 of this Special Issue aims to contain current studies on the use of antimicrobial therapy approaches in periodontal and endodontic therapy.

Prof. Dr. Andreas Braun
Prof. Dr. Felix Krause
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antibiotics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • periodontology
  • endodontology
  • cariology
  • photodynamics
  • laser dentistry

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Related Special Issues

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 907 KB  
Article
Quantitative Evaluation of the Inhibitory Effects of Commercially Available Probiotics on Dual-Species Biofilms in Root Canals: A qPCR-Based Short-Term In Vitro Study
by Beyza Yalçıntaş, Yakup Üstün, Nurbanu Yaşar, Seda Tezcan Ülger, Gönül Aslan and Bertan Kesim
Antibiotics 2026, 15(4), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15040354 - 30 Mar 2026
Viewed by 668
Abstract
Objectives: To quantitatively evaluate the inhibitory effects of commercially available probiotic formulations (Probien, Enterogermina, Reflor) applied as intracanal medicaments against mature dual-species biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) using a qPCR-based in vitro root [...] Read more.
Objectives: To quantitatively evaluate the inhibitory effects of commercially available probiotic formulations (Probien, Enterogermina, Reflor) applied as intracanal medicaments against mature dual-species biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) using a qPCR-based in vitro root canal model, with calcium hydroxide included as the reference intracanal medicament for comparison. Materials and Methods: Root canal specimens containing mature dual-species biofilms were medicated with probiotic–poloxamer gel formulations (Probien, Enterogermina, or Reflor) or calcium hydroxide (reference inhibitory control); infected but untreated canals served as the non-inhibitory control, and sterile non-inoculated specimens were included to confirm procedural sterility. After a 7-day intracanal application period, microbial loads were quantified at baseline and post-treatment by qPCR, and results were expressed as delta cycle threshold (ΔCt), colony-forming equivalents (CFE/mL), and percentage reduction values. Results: A total of 78 specimens (n = 13 per group) were analyzed. No significant intergroup differences were found in E. faecalis ΔCt or reduction percentages (p > 0.05), indicating its persistence despite intracanal medication. For C. albicans, differences among groups were significant (p < 0.001). Calcium hydroxide showed the strongest antifungal effect, producing marked ΔCt and CFE reductions versus probiotic and positive control groups, whereas probiotic formulations displayed only limited antifungal activity and no measurable inhibition against E. faecalis. Conclusions: Under the conditions of this in vitro model, the tested commercially available probiotic formulations—originally developed for gastrointestinal use—did not demonstrate significant antimicrobial effects against mature E. faecalisC. albicans biofilms. These findings should be interpreted in the context of the absence of probiotic formulations specifically designed for intracanal use and the distinct ecological characteristics of the root canal system, which represents a closed, low-oxygen environment dominated by hard-tissue surfaces. Rather than excluding the potential of probiotics in endodontics, the present results highlight the need for root canal–adapted probiotic strains and delivery strategies tailored to intracanal conditions. Clinical Relevance: This in vitro study provides experimental insight into the limitations of directly applying commercially available gastrointestinal probiotic formulations within the root canal system. The findings highlight the importance of developing root canal–specific probiotic strains and delivery strategies tailored to the unique ecological conditions of the intracanal environment, thereby informing future translational and experimental research in biological endodontics. Full article
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18 pages, 1201 KB  
Article
Evaluation of the Inactivation of Microorganisms by a Blue Laser (445 nm)—An In Vitro Study
by Rutger Matthes, Lisa Dittrich, Christian Schwahn, Lukasz Jablonowski, Thomas Kocher and Alexander Welk
Antibiotics 2026, 15(2), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15020137 - 29 Jan 2026
Viewed by 830
Abstract
Background: Blue laser light has been the subject of research regarding the inactivation of microorganisms as a possible alternative to chemical treatment methods for a number of years. In dentistry, blue light could be used, for example, in the treatment of periodontitis/peri-implantitis, [...] Read more.
Background: Blue laser light has been the subject of research regarding the inactivation of microorganisms as a possible alternative to chemical treatment methods for a number of years. In dentistry, blue light could be used, for example, in the treatment of periodontitis/peri-implantitis, as well as in endodontics and against caries. It could serve as an alternative or supplement to traditional chemical and/or invasive methods. The antimicrobial effectiveness of a blue laser in relation to the speed of treatment is investigated using three different microbial test organisms in order to identify possible species differences. Methods: The test organisms Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans were applied to smooth zirconium discs and treated twice with a diode laser at 445 nm wavelength with a traversing speed of 1, 2, and 4 mm/s. The antimicrobial effect was analysed based on the resulting colony-forming units on agar plates. The temperature was measured during the treatment. Preliminary tests were carried out using the MTT dye test to determine relevant setting parameters and the required energy dose. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the negative control and the treated samples for all three tested organisms, with a maximum viability reduction of 1.8 log10 CFU/mL for Enterococcus faecalis, 2.5 log10 CFU/mL for Streptococcus mutans, and 1.0 log10 CFU/mL for Candida albicans at 1 mm/s traversing speed, regarding estimated marginal means (p < 0.001). The temperature on the substrate surface reached 30 to 42 °C for all samples evaluated. Conclusions: Blue laser light (445 nm) demonstrates antimicrobial activity, which increases with prolonged exposure. Further research is needed to assess all key influencing parameters and define possible clinical applications. Full article
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17 pages, 7634 KB  
Article
CLSM-Guided Imaging to Visualize the Depth of Effective Disinfection in Endodontics
by Rebecca Mattern, Sarah Böcher, Gerhard Müller-Newen, Georg Conrads, Johannes-Simon Wenzler and Andreas Braun
Antibiotics 2025, 14(12), 1201; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14121201 - 1 Dec 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Important goals of endodontic treatment procedures are to effectively eliminate microorganisms from the root canal system and prevent reinfection. Despite advances in techniques, these goals continue to be difficult to achieve due to the complex anatomy of the root canal system and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Important goals of endodontic treatment procedures are to effectively eliminate microorganisms from the root canal system and prevent reinfection. Despite advances in techniques, these goals continue to be difficult to achieve due to the complex anatomy of the root canal system and bacterial invasion into the dentinal tubules of the surrounding root dentin. This pilot study aimed to refine a confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) model with LIVE/DEAD staining to quantitatively assess the depth of effective disinfection by endodontic disinfection measures. Methods: Thirty caries-free human teeth underwent standardized chemo-mechanical root canal preparation and were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis. Following treatment, CLSM-guided imaging with LIVE/DEAD staining allowed for differentiation between vital and dead bacteria and quantification of the depth of effective disinfection. Results: An average depth of bacterial eradication of 450 µm for conventional and 520 µm for sonically activated irrigation (EDDY) could be observed with significant differences (p < 0.05) in the coronal and medial positions. Conclusions: The results indicated that sonically activated irrigation (EDDY) provided a more homogeneous (omnidirectional) irrigation pattern compared to conventional irrigation. The study highlights the importance of effective disinfection strategies in endodontics, emphasizing the need for further research on the depth of effective disinfection of endodontic disinfection measures and the optimization of disinfection protocols. Full article
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14 pages, 1495 KB  
Article
Assessment of Oral Microbial Viability by 2,6-Dichlorophenolindophenol a Redox Agent
by Prem K. Sreenivasan and Violet I. Haraszthy
Antibiotics 2025, 14(6), 590; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14060590 - 7 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1505
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This investigation evaluated 2,6-Dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP), a redox dye, as a colorimetric reagent for rapid quantification of oral bacteria and examined the antimicrobial effects of oral hygiene formulations. Methods/Results: Viable microbial cells reduce DCIP, resulting in a loss of its blue color which [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This investigation evaluated 2,6-Dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP), a redox dye, as a colorimetric reagent for rapid quantification of oral bacteria and examined the antimicrobial effects of oral hygiene formulations. Methods/Results: Viable microbial cells reduce DCIP, resulting in a loss of its blue color which can be measured spectrophotometrically. Strains of Actinomyces viscosus, Veillonella atypica, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans grown in the laboratory reduced DCIP. Significant correlations between increasing viable plate counts and DCIP reduction were noted for strains of oral organisms. Intact microbial cells reduced DCIP, with insignificant reductions observed by spent microbial media or bacteria free culture media. Organisms inactivated by either heat or cold demonstrated significantly lower DCIP reduction in comparison to metabolically intact organisms grown under optimal conditions. Conclusions: DCIP reduction provided a rapid and accurate method to evaluate antimicrobial effects of clinical proven mouthwashes formulated with cetylpyridinium chloride or chlorhexidine and toothpastes for a range of oral bacteria. Together, these results identify a rapid, low-cost method using common laboratory equipment to enumerate oral organisms with a visual outcome. Full article
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18 pages, 1408 KB  
Systematic Review
The Efficacy of Sodium Hypochlorite in Combination with Hyaluronic Acid as an Adjunct to Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment: A Systematic Review
by Qonita Feria, Inggrid Ratna Sari Soegiharto, Nanda Denia Astika Putri, Yohana Hutapea, Naoki Takahashi, Benso Sulijaya and Dewi Ayuningtyas
Antibiotics 2026, 15(5), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15050428 - 24 Apr 2026
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Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the available scientific literature on the effectiveness of combining sodium hypochlorite and cross-linked hyaluronic acid (xHyA) as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment. Materials and Methods: Five electronic databases were searched. The study [...] Read more.
Objective: The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the available scientific literature on the effectiveness of combining sodium hypochlorite and cross-linked hyaluronic acid (xHyA) as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment. Materials and Methods: Five electronic databases were searched. The study was traced using the PRISMA criteria and publications from ProQuest, Google Scholar, Springer Nature, Scopus, and PubMed. The randomized study was examined using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB) tool and two case series studies were reviewed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist. Results: The systematic review included four studies (two RCT and two case series). Across the included studies, the adjunctive use of sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and cross-linked hyaluronic acid (xHyA) following subgingival instrumentation was associated with improvements in clinical periodontal parameters. Probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction ranged from 1.5 to 5.8 mm, clinical attachment level (CAL) gain ranged from 1.5 to 5.3 mm, and bleeding on probing (BOP) reduction ranged from 57.5% to 65.6%. The improvements were generally more pronounced in deeper periodontal pockets. Minor variations in intervention protocols were observed among studies. Conclusions: The adjunctive use of sodium hypochlorite and cross-linked hyaluronic acid in non-surgical periodontal therapy may be associated with improvements in clinical periodontal parameters, including PPD, CAL, and BOP, particularly in deep pockets. However, the available evidence is limited and heterogeneous, with small sample sizes and short follow-up durations. Therefore, these findings should be interpreted with caution, and further well-designed long-term studies are required. Full article
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