Deciphering Endodontic Microbial Communities by Next-generation Sequencing

Technologies based on high-throughput 16S ribosomal RNA NGS can aid in deciphering the complex bacterial communities of root canal biofilms. Thus far, only a few studies have been published with relatively small sample sizes, variable sample collection protocols, and community analyses methods. Future larger clinical studies are essential with validated standardized protocols for improved understanding of the pathogenic nature of bacterial biofilm communities in root canals.