Introduction: Gram-negative anaerobic microorganisms play a crucial role in endodontic and periodontal infections. Porphyromonas endodontalis is a rod-shaped, gram-negative anaerobic bacterium, pigmented in black that causes periapical lesions with acute symptoms.

Objective: To analyze the literature about P. endodontalis, as well as its virulence factor, nutrition, detection, epidemiology and treatment.

Methodology: Relevant articles were compiled and selected in PubMed about P. endodontalis, using key words such as P. endodontalis, periapical periodontitis, gram-negative anaerobic bacteria pigmented in black, among some other phrases.

Results: P. endodontalis lipopolysaccharide is a potent stimulator of inflammatory cytokines that participate in the formation of acute abscesses and bone destruction; To detect this bacterium with greater efficiency, the molecular technique of PCR is used. P. endodontalis does not need many nutrients to be able to reproduce due to its location and characteristics, so it is important to eliminate them by chemical-mechanical cleaning of the root canal followed by a hermetic seal.

Conclusions: P. endodontalis is one of the most frequent bacteria in endodontic lesions playing an important role in abscesses. Therefore, it is an objective in the endodontic treatment and its eradication is crucial to achieve the elimination of the infection.