Endodontic Topics 2012, 22, 1 All rights reserved

2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S

ENDODONTIC TOPICS 2012

1601-1538

Editorial
Endodontic biofilm: Where are we now and where are we i?
ANIL KISHEN & MARKUS HAAPASALO, GUEST EDITORS
The enhanced antimicrobial resistance of bacterial biofilms has been attributed to the restricted penetration of antimicrobials, decreased growth rate, expression of biofilm-specific antimicrobial resistance, or antimicrobial tolerant physiologies in bacterial biofilm. Therefore, the treatment of bacterial biofilms has been a major challenge, especially when it involves a complex in vivo situation such as the root canal system. The treatment of bacterial biofilms may lead to killing of the susceptible population, but disrupting the biofilm structure and eliminating all of the resident bacteria, including the fraction of persister cells, is still a daunting task in endodontic disinfection. The surviving bacteria wiU be able to reconstitute the biolm following discontinuation of the antimicrobials. Thus, multifaceted approaches are required to disinfect biofilm bacteria. This volume of Endodontic Topics focuses on multiple issues that deal with biofiJm-mediated infection. It includes die development and structural considerations of biofilms in general, and organization of endodontic biofilms and therapeutic options in the management of biofilm-mediated infections. More specifically, the first article by Dufour, Leun & Lvesque discusses general considerations of bacterial biofilms, and the role of biofilms in infectious diseases. Newer strategies to counteract biofilm infection are also reviewed in this chapter. The second article by Lang, Zhu & Kreth reviews the host immune cellbiofilm interaction. The biofilm and bacterial components that participate in immune modulation are also discussed in this chapter. The third article by Siqueira, Ras & Ricucci describes the relevance of bacterial biofilms in apical periodontitis. The structure and organization of biofilm in treated and untreated root canals, besides the microbial diversity' in primary, secondary and persistent endodontic infections, are discussed. The fourth chapter by Love reviews the biofilm bacteriasubstrate interaction. The factors influencing bacterial adhesion to the tooth surface are also explained in this chapter. The h article by Kishen & Hanpasalo discusses contemporary biofilm models and assays used to assess antimicrobial efficacy in Endodontics, while the sixth article by Haapasalo & Shen details current therapeutic options available to manage biofilms in root canals. The seventh article by Kishen describes the challenging factors in root canal disinfection and advanced therapeutic options in the management of bacterial biofiJms. Currendy, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular dynamics of biofilm bacteria in response to transitions in the endodontic environment is sparse; hence, this issue of Endoontic Topics is aimed at presenting the best evidence available. The fact that a cross-section of recognized clinicians, academicians, and scientists have contributed to this topic lends great authenticity' to the information discussed. We are extremely gratefiil to the authors for their contributions to this issue of Endodontie Topics. We are convinced that the material presented here will provide the readership with an up-to-date and comprehensive appraisal of one of the most challenging aspects of Endodontics today.

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