Abstract
The in vitro efficacy of transient spark disinfection was examined on different types of bacteria that are relevant in endodontics, in particular Enterococcus faecalis. A device was constructed so that it could be inserted down to the apex of prepared root canals and could be applied in conventional, regenerative, and reparative endodontics. Starting with a bacterial load of 0.2 mL of undiluted 109-bacteria/mL spread on a Petri dish, 3-min treatment led to a 106-CFU/cm2 reduction in bacterial load over a surface area relevant to root canal treatment.