The adjunctive effect of photodynamic therapy for residual pockets in single-rooted teeth: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Multiple Sessions of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy Improve Periodontal Outcomes in Patients with Down Syndrome: A 12-Month Randomized Clinical Trial

Background/Objectives: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) often present with severe periodontal disease at a young age. Adjuvant treatments to scaling and root planing (SRP), such as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), may benefit this population. This study evaluated the effectiveness of aPDT as an adjunct to SRP in individuals with DS. A randomized, double-blind, parallel trial was conducted with 37 individuals with DS. Methods: The test group (aPDT; n = 18) received SRP + aPDT, while the control group (C group; n = 19) received SRP only. For aPDT, a red laser (658 nm; 0.1 W; 2229 J/cm2; 40 s sweeping with optical fiber) combined with methylene blue (MB) (100 µg/mL) was applied across repeated sessions (on days 3, 7, and 14). Clinical parameters, such as plaque index (PI), clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP), were recorded at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment. Statistical analyses were performed using parametric and non-parametric tests (p < 0.05). Results: Both treatments promoted improvements in all clinical periodontal parameters (p < 0.05). The aPDT group showed a statistically significant reduction in CAL at 3 months (aPDT = 4.58 mm vs. C = 4.72 mm; p < 0.05) and 12 months (aPDT = 4.59 mm vs. C = 4.84 mm; p < 0.05). Conclusions: aPDT improved periodontal health in the long term through a stable gain in attachment.

Efficacy of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy for Treating Moderate to Deep Periodontal Pockets in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background/Objectives: Diabetes mellitus and periodontitis share a significant, bidirectional relationship. Diabetes raises the risk of periodontitis and influences its severity, impacting tissue repair and bone metabolism. Conversely, periodontal inflammation can disrupt glycemic control, further complicating this interlinked relationship. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as an adjunct to subgingival instrumentation (SI) in the treatment of periodontal pockets with a probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥ 5 mm in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and periodontitis. Methods: Using the PICOS framework, this review addressed the following question: "How does aPDT as an adjunct to SI compare to SI alone in treating periodontal pockets with PPD ≥ 5 mm in individuals with DM2 and periodontitis?" Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to December 2024. Randomized clinical trials evaluating periodontal status and HbA1c levels in patients with DM2 undergoing periodontal therapy and experiencing SI were included. Patients who received adjunctive aPDT were compared to a control group that received SI alone. A meta-analysis was conducted illustrating treatment effects across groups. Results: After screening 117 studies based on titles and abstracts, three and four studies met the eligibility criteria for quantitative and qualitative analyses, respectively. The principal periodontal parameters assessed included PPD, clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), and bleeding on probing (BOP). Forest plots for PD, BOP, PI, and CAL at baseline, three months, and six months revealed no statistically significant differences between the SI+aPDT group and the SI-only group. Glycated hemoglobin across treatment groups was not different. Conclusions: The combination of aPDT with SI provides limited clinical benefits in treating periodontal pockets with a PPD ≥ 5 mm in diabetic patients with periodontitis.

Adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy for treating periodontal and peri-implant diseases

BACKGROUND

Periodontitis and peri-implant diseases are chronic inflammatory conditions occurring in the mouth. Left untreated, periodontitis progressively destroys the tooth-supporting apparatus. Peri-implant diseases occur in tissues around dental implants and are characterised by inflammation in the peri-implant mucosa and subsequent progressive loss of supporting bone. Treatment aims to clean the pockets around teeth or dental implants and prevent damage to surrounding soft tissue and bone, including improvement of oral hygiene, risk factor control (e.g. encouraging cessation of smoking) and surgical interventions. The key aspect of standard non-surgical treatment is the removal of the subgingival biofilm using subgingival instrumentation (SI) (also called scaling and root planing). Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) can be used an adjunctive treatment to SI. It uses light energy to kill micro-organisms that have been treated with a light-absorbing photosensitising agent immediately prior to aPDT.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of SI with adjunctive aPDT versus SI alone or with placebo aPDT for periodontitis and peri-implant diseases in adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Oral Health Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, two other databases and two trials registers up to 14 February 2024.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (both parallel-group and split-mouth design) in participants with a clinical diagnosis of periodontitis, peri-implantitis or peri-implant disease. We compared the adjunctive use of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), in which aPDT was given after subgingival or submucosal instrumentation (SI), versus SI alone or a combination of SI and a placebo aPDT given during the active or supportive phase of therapy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures, and we used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence. We prioritised six outcomes and the measure of change from baseline to six months after treatment: probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession (REC), pocket closure and adverse effects related to aPDT. We were also interested in change in bone level (for participants with peri-implantitis), and participant satisfaction and quality of life.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 50 RCTs with 1407 participants. Most studies used a split-mouth study design; only 18 studies used a parallel-group design. Studies were small, ranging from 10 participants to 88. Adjunctive aPDT was given in a single session in 39 studies, in multiple sessions (between two and four sessions) in 11 studies, and one study included both single and multiple sessions. SI was given using hand or power-driven instrumentation (or both), and was carried out prior to adjunctive aPDT. Five studies used placebo aPDT in the control group and we combined these in meta-analyses with studies in which SI alone was used. All studies included high or unclear risks of bias, such as selection bias or performance bias of personnel (when SI was carried out by an operator aware of group allocation). We downgraded the certainty of all the evidence owing to these risks of bias, as well as for unexplained statistical inconsistency in the pooled effect estimates or for imprecision when evidence was derived from very few participants and confidence intervals (CI) indicated possible benefit to both intervention and control groups. Adjunctive aPDT versus SI alone during active treatment of periodontitis (44 studies) We are very uncertain whether adjunctive aPDT during active treatment of periodontitis leads to improvement in any clinical outcomes at six months when compared to SI alone: PPD (mean difference (MD) 0.52 mm, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.74; 15 studies, 452 participants), BOP (MD 5.72%, 95% CI 1.62 to 9.81; 5 studies, 171 studies), CAL (MD 0.44 mm, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.64; 13 studies, 414 participants) and REC (MD 0.00, 95% CI -0.16 to 0.16; 4 studies, 95 participants); very low-certainty evidence. Any apparent differences between adjunctive aPDT and SI alone were not judged to be clinically important. Twenty-four studies (639 participants) observed no adverse effects related to aPDT (moderate-certainty evidence). No studies reported pocket closure at six months, participant satisfaction or quality of life. Adjunctive aPDT versus SI alone during supportive treatment of periodontitis (six studies) We were very uncertain whether adjunctive aPDT during supportive treatment of periodontitis leads to improvement in any clinical outcomes at six months when compared to SI alone: PPD (MD -0.04 mm, 95% CI -0.19 to 0.10; 3 studies, 125 participants), BOP (MD 4.98%, 95% CI -2.51 to 12.46; 3 studies, 127 participants), CAL (MD 0.07 mm, 95% CI -0.26 to 0.40; 2 studies, 85 participants) and REC (MD -0.20 mm, 95% CI -0.48 to 0.08; 1 study, 24 participants); very low-certainty evidence. These findings were all imprecise and included no clinically important benefits for aPDT. Three studies (134 participants) reported adverse effects: a single participant developed an abscess, though it is not evident whether this was related to aPDT, and two studies observed no adverse effects related to aPDT (moderate-certainty evidence). No studies reported pocket closure at six months, participant satisfaction or quality of life.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Because the certainty of the evidence is very low, we cannot be sure if adjunctive aPDT leads to improved clinical outcomes during the active or supportive treatment of periodontitis; moreover, results suggest that any improvements may be too small to be clinically important. The certainty of this evidence can only be increased by the inclusion of large, well-conducted RCTs that are appropriately analysed to account for change in outcome over time or within-participant split-mouth study designs (or both). We found no studies including people with peri-implantitis, and only one study including people with peri-implant mucositis, but this very small study reported no data at six months, warranting more evidence for adjunctive aPDT in this population group.

Effectiveness of photodynamic therapy on the treatment of chronic periodontitis: a systematic review during 2008-2023

Objective

This study investigated the effect of photodynamic therapy on chronic periodontitis patients and then evaluated the microbial, immunological, periodontal, and clinical outcomes. The significant effects of photodynamic therapy obtained by in vitro and in vivo studies have made it a popular treatment for periodontal diseases in recent years. Photodynamic therapy is a novel bactericidal strategy that is stronger, faster, and less expensive than scaling and root planing.

Method

This study registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021267008) and retrieved fifty-three randomized controlled trials by searching nine databases (Medline, Embase, Scopus, Open Gray, Google Scholar, ProQuest, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov) from 2008 to 2023. Of 721 records identified through database searches following title and full-text analysis, and excluding duplicate and irrelevant publications, 53 articles were included in this systematic review. Fifty of the 53 eligible studies fulfilled all the criteria in the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI's) Checklist for RCTs; the remaining articles met 9-12 criteria and were considered high quality.

Results

The present study showed that photodynamic therapy in adjunct to scaling and root planing has the potential to improve periodontal parameters such as clinical attachment loss or gain, decrease in bleeding on probing, and probing pocket depth. In addition, photodynamic therapy decreases the rate of periodontal pathogens and inflammation markers, which, in turn, reduces the progression of periodontitis.

Conclusion

Photodynamic therapy is considered a promising, adjunctive, and low-cost therapeutic method that is effective in tissue repair, reducing chronic periodontitis, reducing inflammation, and well-tolerated by patients.

Efficacy of methylene blue-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on clinical and radiographic outcomes among patients with periodontal diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the influence of methylene blue (MB)-mediated adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) when compared to conventional mechanical debridement (MD) alone on periodontal clinical and radiographic outcomes among periodontitis patients.

METHODS

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were incorporated by conducting an electronic search in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed for articles published in English up to August 2023 to address the following focused question based on the PICO format: "Whether the application of MB-mediated aPDT as an adjunctive to MD (Intervention) leads to improved periodontal clinical and/or radiographic outcomes (Outcome) among participants with and without periodontal diseases (Population) as compared to MD alone (Conparison)". The risk of bias (RoB) of the included studies was assessed using the modified Jadad scale. A meta-analysis was conducted, and it included the presentation of the standard mean difference (SMD) along with a 95 % confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

In total, 11 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated statistically significant improvements in periodontal plaque index (SMD: -0.72 % [95 % CI: -0.99 % to -0.45 %]; p<0.00001), probing depth (SMD: -0.38 % [95 % CI: -0.57 % to -0.19 %; p<0.00001), and bleeding on probing (SMD: -0.44 % [95 % CI: -0.68 % to -0.20 %]; p = 0.0003) scores at the final follow-up visit after the application of MB-mediated aPDT in comparison with MD alone. Nevertheless, there was no statistically significant difference was observed in periodontal clinical attachment level values (SMD: -0.01 % [95 % CI: -0.21 % to 0.19 %]; p = 0.95) between the control group and the experimental group. Six studies achieved a low RoB, five were rated as having medium RoB, while no study received a high RoB.

CONCLUSION

MB-mediated aPDT, when used as an adjunct to conventional MD contributes to the improvement of periodontal clinical outcomes including PI, PD, and BOP in patients with periodontitis.

Photodynamic therapy adjuvant to non-surgical periodontal therapy: Systematic review of randomized clinical trials

OBJECTIVES

To systematically evaluate randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on whether adjuvant application of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) through the technique of irradiation in the external region of the periodontal pocket with optic-fibre tip offers benefits to scaling and root planning (SRP).

METHODS

Five databases were searched by two independent reviewers according to pre-specified eligibility criteria up to April 2023. No restrictions regarding date of publication, language and minimum follow-up period were imposed. The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0) was used for quality appraisal and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation for assessing the certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

A total of 1388 publications were identified and reviewed for eligibility. Four of them fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The sample consisted of a total of 83 patients with periodontitis. In these, 330 periodontal sites were evaluated. The clinical findings of the majority of the included studies demonstrated that patients who received the association of aPDT + RAR with the protocol evaluated here, obtained clinical results similar to patients who received only the SRP alone. In none of the evaluated RCTs, clinical advantages were observed that would categorise this aPDT protocol as superior to conventional treatment.

CONCLUSION

Applying aPDT after SRP with external irradiation of the periodontal pocket does not seem to result in any clinical benefit compared to the use of SRP alone in patients with periodontitis.

Periodontal disease in down syndrome: Predisposing factors and potential non-surgical therapeutic approaches

BACKGROUND

Periodontal diseases (PDs) have been documented to be significantly more prevalent and severe in patients with Down syndrome (DS). Different immunological and microbiological factors contributed to predisposing these patients to progressive and recurrent PDs.

AIM

The aim of this review was to investigate the altered immunological responses and oral microbiota disorders as well as focus on adjunctive non-surgical methods for the treatment of PDs and its applicability in patients with DS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A literature review was conducted addressing the following topics: (1) the altered immunological responses, (2) orofacial disorders related to DS patients, (3) oral microbiota changing, and (4) adjunctive non-surgical treatment and its efficacy in patients with DS.

RESULTS

Due to the early onset of PDs in children with DS, the need for prompt and effective treatment in these patients is essential.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

So, investigating underlying factors may open a new window to better understand the pathology of PDs in DS people and thus, find better strategies for treatment in such group. Although non-surgical treatments such as photodynamic therapy and probiotic consumption represented acceptable outcomes in different examined patients without DS, data about the application of these convenience and no need for local anesthesia methods in patients with DS is limited.

Photodynamic therapy as adjunctive treatment of single-rooted teeth in patients with grade C periodontitis: A randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to evaluate the adjunctive effect of an antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) protocol on single-rooted teeth of patients with grade C periodontitis.

METHODS

Sixty-four single-rooted teeth (14 patients) were included in each group of this double-blinded split-mouth randomized clinical trial. The teeth were randomly divided into scaling and root planing + aPDT (test group) and scaling and root planing+sham aPDT (control group). The aPDT protocol consisted of incubation with 1% methylene blue for 5 min, rinsing, and application of a diode laser (wavelength of 660 nm, power of 100 mW) for 10 s. aPDT was repeated after 7 days. Bleeding on probing (BoP), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were recorded before and 3 months after treatment. A 5% significance level was adopted for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Final PD was significantly (P = 0.02) lower in the test group (2.87 ± 1.40 mm) compared to control (3.12 ± 1.69 mm). The test group showed a significantly higher percentage of sites with PD≤4 mm and concomitant BoP compared to control (91%x86%;P < 0.001). At sites with baseline PD>4 mm, final PD and CAL were significantly (P = 0.01) lower in the test group (4.11 ± 1.66 and 4.89 ± 2.49 mm, respectively) compared to control (4.88 ± 1.99 and 5.89 ± 2.74 mm, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

aPDT combined with scaling and root planning provided slightly better periodontal clinical results than the latter procedure alone, exerting a superior effect at sites with greater baseline PD. aPDT might be used as adjunctive treatment in grade C periodontitis affecting single-rooted teeth since it improves the response to conventional periodontal treatment.

One-Year Clinical, Microbiological and Immunological Results of Local Doxycycline or Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy for Recurrent/Persisting Periodontal Pockets: A Randomized Clinical Trial

We evaluated, in this study, the clinical, microbiological and immunological effects of local drug delivery (LDD) or photodynamic therapy (PDT), adjunctive to subgingival instrumentation (SI) in persistent or recurrent periodontal pockets in patients enrolled in supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) after one year. A total of 105 patients enrolled in SPT with persistent/recurrent pockets were randomly treated with SI +PDT or SI + LDD or SI (control). The number of treated sites with bleeding on probing (n BOP+), probing pocket depths (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), full-mouth plaque and bleeding scores (gingival bleeding index, %bleeding on probing-BOP) was evaluated at baseline and after 12 months. Additionally, eight periodontopathogens and the immunomarkers IL-1β (interleukin)and MMP-8 (matrix metalloprotease) were quantitatively determined using real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. All three treatments resulted in statistically significant clinical improvements (p < 0.05) without statistically significant intergroup differences (p > 0.05), which were maintained up to 12 months. The presence of BOP negatively affected the PPD and CAL. Moreover, statistically significantly fewer bleeding sites at 12 months were observed in the test groups (p = 0.049). Several periodontopathogens were reduced after 12 months. In conclusion, the present data indicate that in periodontal patients enrolled in SPT, treatment of persistent/recurrent pockets with SI alone or combined with either PDT or LDD may lead to comparable clinical, microbiological and immunological improvements, which are maintained up to 12 months. Secondly, the presence of BOP directly impacts the PPD and CAL.

Influence of Adjunctive Photodynamic Therapy on Interleukin-6, Interleukin-8, and Interleukin-10 Gingival Crevicular Fluid Levels in Chronic Periodontitis - A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background:

Numerous studies have assessed the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) both as a primary mode of treatment and as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of periodontitis. Some results were nondefinitive and, in part, inconsistent with respect to the clinical and biochemical effects. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PDT as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and IL-10 levels in the treatment of chronic periodontitis (CP).

Materials and Methods:

In 21 patients with CP, two contralateral sites (premolar and molar) were randomly divided into: control sites (treated with NSPT only) and test sites (treated with NSPT + PDT). Clinical parameters including bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level were evaluated at baseline, 1- and 3 months and biochemical parameters of GCF levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were evaluated at baseline and 3-month post-therapy through enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay.

Results:

A greater improvement in BOP score at 1 month (41.10% ± 3.58%) and 3-months (38.00% ± 3.62%) posttherapy was found in the test site as compared to control site. Regarding cytokines, test sites exhibited significant reductions in IL-6 (4.29 ± 0.67 pg/ml) and IL-8 (308.16 ± 36.04 pg/ml) levels and increase in IL-10 (14.25 ± 0.83 pg/ml) level at 3 months (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Additional application of PDT, adjunctive to NSPT, resulted in a significant reduction in BOP score as well as GCF pro-inflammatory cytokine levels along with an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, compared to NSPT alone.

LASER in periodontal treatment: is it an effective treatment or science fiction?

There are several studies that evaluate the use of lasers in periodontal treatment in non-surgical or surgical therapy. However, while several studies showed clinically beneficial effects of some lasers in periodontal treatment, there are few clinical reports of additional advantages of lasers as adjunctive treatments in periodontology. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate and critically analyze the level of scientific evidence of effects of low-level lasers and high-power lasers in periodontology. A narrative review of the studies was carried out in each topic and type of laser or periodontal treatment. In nonsurgical periodontal therapy the results showed that there is an additional clinical benefit when using a diode laser (DL) associated with scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients with moderate to severe periodontitis. The Er:YAG laser seems to be the most suitable for nonsurgical periodontal therapy and promotes the same clinical effects as conventional therapy. In periodontal surgery vaporization of the gingival or mucosal tissue can be carried out with DL, CO2, Nd:YAG, Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers. Photobiomodulation (PBM), mediated by low-level lasers associated with non-surgical periodontal therapy, promotes additional benefits in the short term and accelerates the bone and gingival tissue repair process and also reduces postoperative symptoms of periodontal surgery. The effect of antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy is relevant in the initial reevaluation periods. Studies have shown controversial results of the use of lasers in periodontics, and this fact may be due to the lack of standard parameters of irradiation in each clinical application.

Clinico-microbiological Efficacy of Indocyanine Green as a Novel Photosensitizer for Photodynamic Therapy among Patients with Chronic Periodontitis: A Split-mouth Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Objective:

Conventional nonsurgical periodontal therapy, i.e., scaling and root planing (SRP), is not sufficient to completely eradicate the microorganisms present in dental plaque biofilm due to the incapability of instruments to reach the inaccessible areas of a tooth with anatomical variations. Hence, to increase the effectiveness of SRP, many adjunctive treatment strategies are proposed, including photodynamic therapy (PDT). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the clinical and microbiological efficacy of PDT using Indocyanine green (ICG) as a novel photosensitizer for the treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty individuals who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were enrolled for this randomized controlled clinical trial using split-mouth design. Treatment sites from each individual were randomly allocated into two groups: SRP was done for the sites of the control group and an additional session of PDT using ICG was performed for the sites of the test group. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from both the sites and sent for quantitative analysis of Treponema denticola, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Tannerella forsythia using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Probing pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and count of all the three microorganisms were assessed at baseline and after 3 months.

Results:

After 3 months, PD and CAL showed statistically significant improvement in the test sites (P < 0.001) compared to the control sites. However, the differences in the microbiological parameters were statistically nonsignificant between the groups.

Conclusion:

ICG as a photosensitizer may enhance the outcomes of SRP and can be used for PDT for the nonsurgical management of periodontal diseases.

Clinical efficacy of single and multiple applications of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in periodontal maintenance: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

At present the clinical efficacy of single (S) versus multiple (M) applications of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is controversially discussed.

AIM

To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of adjunctive S and M applications of aPDT to subgingival debridement (SD) in the treatment of residual periodontal pockets.

METHODS

An electronic search was carried out for randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) reporting on SD with the adjunctive use of S- or M-aPDT applications.

RESULTS

Statistically significantly higher improvement in bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing depth (PD) reduction was found for SD + S-aPDT versus SD, with Mean difference (MD) = -16.8 (95% CI: -30.7 to -2.91; p = 0.02) and 0.4, (95% CI: 0.02 to 0.78, p = 0.04), respectively. Regarding BOP, there was also a statistically significant difference when SD + M-aPDT was compared with SD alone, with a MD of -5.13 (95% CI: -7.20 to -3.07; p < 0.00001). For all parameters, SD + S-aPDT demonstrated the best treatment ranking of probability results, followed by SD + M-aPDT and SD alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Within their limits, the present data indicate that in periodontal patients enrolled in maintenance: a) single and multiple adjunctive applications of aPDT following SD resulted in statistically significant BOP reduction compared to SD alone, and b) repeated applications of aPDT did not seem to result in superior outcomes compared to single applications.

Effectiveness of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Periodontitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of In Vivo Human Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) efficacy in periodontitis. The review protocol was conducted in accordance with PRISMA statements, Cochrane Collaboration recommendations and is registered in PROSPERO (CRD 42020161516). Electronic and hand search strategies were undertaken to gather data on in vivo human RCTs followed by qualitative analysis. Differences in probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals and pooled in random effects model at three and six months. Heterogeneity was analyzed, using Q and I² tests. Publication bias was assessed by visual examination of the funnel plot symmetry. Sixty percent of 31 eligible studies showed a high risk of bias. Meta-analysis on 18 studies showed no additional benefit in split mouth studies in terms of PPD reduction (SMD 0.166; 95% CI −0.278 to 0.611; P = 0.463) and CAL gain (SMD 0.092; 95% CI −0.013 to 0.198; P = 0.088). Similar findings noted for parallel group studies; PPD reduction (SMD 0.076; 95% CI −0.420 to 0.573; P = 0.763) and CAL gain (SMD 0.056; 95% CI −0.408 to 0.552; P = 0.745). Sensitivity analysis minimized heterogeneity for both outcome variables; however, intergroup differences were not statistically significant. Future research should aim for well-designed RCTs in order to determine the effectiveness of aPDT.

Efficacy of alternative or additional methods to professional mechanical plaque removal during supportive periodontal therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

To systematically review the literature addressing the following focused questions: "What is the efficacy of either (#1) alternative or (#2) additional methods to professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR) on progression of attachment loss during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) in periodontitis patients?".

METHODS

A systematic search for randomized clinical trials was performed. Change in clinical attachment level (CAL) from baseline was the primary outcome.

RESULTS

Routine PMPR performed with either a combination of ultrasonic/hand instruments or Er:Yag laser showed similarly effective in preventing CAL loss. Moreover, a routine SPT regimen based on PMPR led to stability of CAL irrespective of a daily sub-antimicrobial doxycycline dose (SDD). Finally, an adjunctive photodynamic therapy (PDT) did not enhance the magnitude of CAL gain when sites with probing depth ≥4 mm were repeatedly treated. After pooling all data, the results of the meta-analysis showed no statistical differences in CAL change from baseline: mean overall CAL change was -0.233 mm (95% confidence interval: -1.065, 0.598; p = .351).

CONCLUSIONS

Weak evidence indicate that in treated periodontitis patients enrolled in a 3-4 month SPT based on PMPR, Er:Yag laser (as alternative), SDD and PDT (as additional) do not produce a greater clinical effect on periodontal conditions compared to PMPR.

Clinical and Microbiological Evaluation of Local Doxycycline and Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy during Supportive Periodontal Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological effects of subgingival instrumentation (SI) alone or combined with either local drug delivery (LDD) or photodynamic therapy (PDT) in persistent/recurrent pockets in patients enrolled in supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). A total of 105 patients enrolled in SPT were randomly treated as follows: group A (n = 35): SI +PDT and 7 days later 2nd PDT; group B (n = 35): SI+LDD; group C (n = 35): SI (control). Prior intervention, at 3 and 6 months after therapy, probing pocket depths, clinical attachment level, number of treated sites with bleeding on probing (n BOP), full mouth plaque and bleeding scores (gingival bleeding index, %BOP) were recorded. At the same time points, 8 periodontopathogens were quantitatively determined. All three treatments resulted in statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) of all clinical parameters without statistically significant intergroup differences (p > 0.05). Several bacterial species were reduced in both test groups, with statistically significantly higher reductions for LDD compared to PDT and the control group. In conclusion, the present data indicate that: (a) In periodontal patients enrolled in SPT, treatment of persistent/recurrent pockets with SI alone or combined with either PDT or LDD may lead to comparable clinical improvements and (b) the adjunctive use of LDD appears to provide better microbiological improvements for some periodontal pathogens than SI alone or combined with PDT.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy versus antibiotics as an adjunct in the treatment of periodontitis and peri-implantitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Clinical efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as compared to antibiotics in periodontitis and peri-implantitis has been tested in several clinical trials. Yet controversial results were reported. The aim of the present study was to answer the question: "Will adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy be more effective than antibiotics agent in the treatment of periodontitis and peri-implantitis?".

METHODS

Publications compared outcomes between aPDT and antibiotics in adult patients with periodontitis or peri-implantitis, containing more than 3-month follow-up duration, were involved in the systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Central were searched until December of 2020. Clinical parameters including pocket probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were evaluated. The risk of bias was assessed by Cochrane Collaboration Tool. Weighted mean differences (WMD), 95 % confidence interval(CI) and heterogeneity were estimated by Review Manager software.

RESULTS

10 trials in periodontitis and 5 trials in peri-implantitis were included. Meta-analysis outcomes revealed equal clinical evidence for aPDT and antibiotics in periodontitis and peri-implantitis. In addition, aPDT significantly reduced the red complex in both diseases. However, owing to the heterogeneity of protocols in articles and the limited number of studies, the comparative conclusion remained unconfirmed.

CONCLUSION

aPDT can be considered as an alternative to antibiotics in the treatment of peri-implantitis and periodontitis. Given that high heterogeneity in outcome was found in this review, future long-term clinical trials with standard aPDT and antibiotic treatment should be tested to arrive at a firm conclusion.

Effects of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy on Organic Solution and Root Surface In Vitro

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (a-PDT) is attracting attention as a new form of dental treatment. While it is primarily applied to produce an antibacterial effect, it decreases lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and protease activity. Here, we evaluated differences in the antibacterial activity of a-PDT on three types of bacteria and the effects on the organic substances (i.e., albumin and LPS). Furthermore, we investigated the effects of a-PDT on root surfaces. A FotoSan630® and toluidine blue were used to perform a-PDT in this study. We measured its antimicrobial activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Enterococcus faecalis. Antimicrobial testing revealed strong antimicrobial action and P. gingivalis, E. faecalis, and S. mutans were almost undetectable after 50, 120, and 100 s, respectively. In organic resolution tests, albumin was significantly decreased from 1 min after a-PDT application onward, while LPS significantly decreased at 5 min after the application. The root surfaces after a-PDT were confirmed to be cleaner than the controls without suffering any damage. Depending on the bacterial species, a-PDT exhibited antimicrobial activity against various types of bacteria and sensitivity differed. Moreover, we reported that a-PDT resolves protein and LPS, enabling the formation of a healthy root surface without any damage.

Adjunctive local treatments for patients with residual pockets during supportive periodontal care: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

AIM

This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of adjunctive locally delivered antimicrobials, compared to subgingival instrumentation alone or plus a placebo, on changes in probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), in patients with residual pockets during supportive periodontal care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature search was performed with electronic databases and by hand until 31 May 2020. Primary outcome was the changes in PPD. The treatment effects between groups were estimated with weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and prediction intervals (PI) by using random-effects network meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were included. Significantly greater PPD reduction was achieved in chlorhexidine chip group (WMD: 0.65 mm, 95% CI: 0.21-1.10) and tetracycline fibre group (WMD: 0.64 mm, 95% CI: 0.20-1.08) over 6-month follow-up. Other adjunctive antimicrobial agents achieved non-significant improvements compared to scaling and root planing alone. All differences between adjunctive therapies were statistically non-significant. Similar findings were observed for CAL gain.

CONCLUSION

Adjunctive local antimicrobial agents achieved small additional PPD reduction and CAL gain in residual pockets for a follow-up of up to 6 months. Tetracycline fibre and chlorhexidine chip achieved better results than other antimicrobials.

Comparison between Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy and Low-level laser therapy on non-surgical periodontal treatment: A Clinical Study

BACKGROUND

Alternative antibacterial therapeutic modalities, such as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT), have been proposed to improve the effectiveness of periodontal treatment. However, clinical studies evaluating the efficiency of these treatments have been inconclusive, partly due to contradictory results regarding their clinical and microbiological effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of aPDT and LLLT after a one-stage full-mouth disinfection (OSFMD) protocol during periodontitis treatment.

METHODS

A split-mouth clinical trial was conducted in 20 patients presenting at least two contralateral teeth with a probing pocket depth (PD) ≥ 5 mm and bleeding on probing (BOP) on both sides of the mouth. All patients were submitted to an OSFMD protocol. The selected sites randomly received either (1) aPDT (methylene blue as a photosensitizer activated by red and infrared diode laser) or (2) LLLT (red and infrared diode laser). Clinical parameters were assessed at baseline and at 4 and 12 weeks post-treatment.

RESULTS

Both treatment protocols promoted significant reductions in PD, number of deep pockets and BOP and an increase in clinical attachment level (CAL) after 4 and 12 weeks, but there were no differences between the two groups. There was no change in the gingival level (GL) of either group for all periods of analysis. A decrease in the number of moderate pockets (4-5 mm) was found in the LLLT group (5.15 ± 4.20) when compared to the aPDT group (7.10 ± 5.24), but only after 4 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, both the aPDT and LLLT therapies promoted improvements in periodontal clinical parameters after the OSFMD protocol; however, in general, there were no distinct differences between the two treatment modalities evaluated in this study.

Antimicrobial photodynamic chemotherapy mediated by PapaMBlue on chronic periodontal disease: Study protocol for a randomized, blind, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The elimination of the pathogenic microorganisms of the periodontal pocket is one of the main points for success in periodontal treatment. The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical and antimicrobial effect of papain-mediated photodynamic therapy in the clinical treatment of periodontal disease.

METHODS

Twenty patients with chronic periodontitis will be selected. Patients will be randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 10). Group 1 will receive conventional periodontal treatment and group 2 will receive conventional treatment and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PACT). Conventional treatment will consist of oral hygiene guidance, with brushing technique instructions and recommendation of daily flossing. The calculus deposits on the teeth will be removed with ultrasound equipment and curettes for scraping and root planning. The PACT will be performed at the end of each periodontal treatment session, at sites with bags ≥4 mm. PapaMblue photosensitizer will be deposited in the periodontal pockets with a syringe and a pre-irradiation time of 1 minute will be adopted. Then, the laser emitting wavelength of 660 nm, with power of 100 mW, for 2 minutes, radiant exposure of 30 J/cm and power density of 250 mW/cm will be applied. Patients will undergo clinical evaluations before treatment (day 1) at 30, 60, and 90 days after the end of treatment; and microbiological evaluations before and immediately after treatment. The distribution of the data within each group and the homogeneity of the variances will be verified. With this information, the most appropriate statistical test in each evaluation will be used. The sample calculation is based on the literature and the significance level of 5% will be adopted.

DISCUSSION

The combination of PACT with methylene blue in a papain gel and the conventional treatment may increase the reduction of bacteria in periodontal pockets.

A dual-strain Lactobacilli reuteri probiotic improves the treatment of residual pockets: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Aim

To examine the adjunctive effect of a Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic (ATCC PTA 5289 & DSM 17938) on the re‐instrumentation of residual pockets.

Materials and Methods

This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study included 39 previously non‐surgically treated periodontitis patients. A re‐instrumentation was carried out, and probiotic and/or placebo drops were applied according to the study protocoll. Patients afterwards received lozenges to use 2×/day for 12 weeks. Probing pocket depth (PPD), recession, bleeding on probing and plaque levels were analysed, next to the microbiological impact.

Results

No effects of the probiotic drops could be found. However, after 24 weeks, the overall PPD in the probiotic lozenges group (2.64 ± 0.33 mm) was significantly lower compared to the control lozenges (2.92 ± 0.42 mm). This difference was even more pronounced in moderate (4–6 mm) and deep (≥7 mm) pockets. In the probiotic lozenges group, there were also significantly more pockets converting from ≥4 mm at baseline to ≤3 mm at 24 weeks (67 ± 18% versus 54 ± 17%) and less sites in need for surgery (4 ± 4% versus 8 ± 6%). However, the probiotic products did not influence the microbiological counts of the periodontopathogens.

Conclusion

The adjunctive consumption of L. reuteri lozenges after re‐instrumentation improved the PPD reduction, without an impact on pocket colonization with periodontopathogens.

The effectiveness of photodynamic therapy as a complementary therapy to mechanical instrumentation on residual periodontal pocket clinical parameters: A clinical split-mouth test

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy as complementary therapy to mechanical instrumentation on periodontal residual pockets. This longitudinal, prospective, double-blind and controlled split-mouth clinical trial included one hundred and fourteen residual periodontal sites with probing depth ≥ 4 mm and bleeding on probing, which were distributed into two groups: 57 in the test group (SRP + aPDT) - using a low power laser application Therapy XT (DMC Equipamentos Ltda, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil) with operational parameters of 660 nm and 110 mW for 15s, and 57 in the control group (SRP). Oral hygiene conditions were evaluated, through the Visible Plaque Index (VPI) and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), as well as periodontal clinical outcomes, comprising the Bleeding on Probing (BOP), Probing Depth (PD) and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) at baseline and after 3 months. Decrease of 17.74% was observed for the VPI after 3 months of follow-up, while the GBI was reduced by 19.91%, thus indicating statistically significant decreases for both parameters (p < 0.001). Decreases in VPI per site, BOP and PD and CAL gain between T₀ and T₃ in both treatment groups (p < 0.001) were observed, but no statistically significant intergroup differences were found (p > 0.05). Within the parameters used in this study, adjuvant aPDT to SRP did not lead additional benefits regarding the assessed clinical parameters after three months.

Photoactivated disinfection in periodontal treatment: A randomized controlled clinical split-mouth trial

BACKGROUND

Photoactivated disinfection (PAD) could support the periodontal treatment outcome. The effect of the light emitting diode (LED) as an innovative light source in PAD is under discussion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological effect of adjunctive PAD in the treatment of periodontitis with a red LED as light source.

METHODS

Twenty patients with periodontitis completed this split-mouth study. The left and right side of the jaws were randomly assigned to either test or control group. After conservative periodontal treatment in both groups, the test group received two sessions of adjunctive PAD (red LED, 635 nm, photosensitive dye, 0.01% tolonium chloride), whereas the control group received no adjunctive PAD. The parameters of clinical periodontal examination-including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP) and microbiological assays (PCR) were evaluated before and after treatment.

RESULTS

After 3 months, both treatment groups showed significant improvements regarding BOP, PD, and CAL compared to baseline, with no significant difference between control and treatment group. The recolonization of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola was reduced after adjuvant treatment, but not significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

The positive effect of adjunctive PAD regarding clinical parameters was reported in recent trials. In this study and with the current settings, both treatment groups showed similar clinical results after initial periodontal treatment, without beneficial effect of adjunctive PAD.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) with curcumin and LED, as an enhancement to scaling and root planing in the treatment of residual pockets in diabetic patients: A randomized and controlled split-mouth clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Residual pockets represent a risk factor for periodontal disease progression. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) may impair prognosis after cause-related therapy, mainly due to the chronic hyperglycemia that negatively influences tissue repair. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) with curcumin (CUR) solution (100 mg/L) and LED irradiation (465-485 nm), as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing (SRP), in the treatment of residual pockets in type 2 diabetic patients.

METHODS

Individuals with type 2 DM and chronic periodontitis presenting at least one residual pocket per quadrant were selected (n = 25). In each patient, all residual pockets with probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm and bleeding on probing (BOP) were allocated to receive, according to quadrant: 1) SRP (SRP group); 2) SRP and irrigation with CUR solution (100 mg/L) (CUR group); 3) SRP and LED irradiation (InGaN, 465-485 nm, 0.78 cm², 78 mW, 100 mW/cm², 60 s) (LED group); 4) SRP, irrigation with CUR solution (100 mg/L), one minute of pre-irradiation, and LED irradiation (InGaN, 465-485 nm, 60 s) (aPDT group). Clinical parameters of PD, gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), BOP and visible plaque index (PI) were evaluated at baseline, three and six months post-therapies. Differences between the examination periods in each group were analyzed by Friedman's test for non-parametric data, while parametric data were submitted to analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA), followed by Tukey's test. Intergroup comparisons were performed by Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

In an intergroup comparison, the mean values for PD, GR, CAL, BOP and PI were not different at baseline, three and six months (p > 0.05). The intragroup comparison evidenced reduction in PD and BOP in all treatment groups at three and six months (p < 0.05). Significant CAL gain was notable only for the aPDT and LED groups at three months in comparison to baseline data (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Treatment of residual pockets in patients with type 2 DM through association of SRP with aPDT (CUR solution 100 mg/L and LED irradiation) or LED irradiation may yield short-term (three months) clinical benefits regarding CAL gain.

Clinical and microbiological effects of multiple applications of antibacterial photodynamic therapy in periodontal maintenance patients. A randomized controlled clinical study

BACKGROUND

At present, very limited data are available on the clinical and microbiological outcomes obtained following repeated application of aPDT following one single mechanical debridement.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate clinically and microbiologically the outcomes following one single session of subgingival mechanical debridement (scaling and root planing; e.g. SRP) followed by 1x immediate application of aPDT and 2 x subsequent use of aPDT without SRP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty patients diagnosed with generalized chronic periodontitis that were enrolled in periodontal maintenance (supportive periodontal therapy) program, were randomly assigned to one of the two treatments: 1. SRP by means of ultrasonic and hand instruments followed by one single session of SRP followed by 1x immediate application of aPDT and 2 x subsequent applications of aPDT without SRP (test) or 2. SRP alone (control). The following clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, at 3 and 6 months: Full-Mouth Plaque Scores (FMPS), Full-Mouth Bleeding Scores (BOP), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) and Gingival Recession (RC). Additionally, microbiological samples were evaluated at baseline and six months after treatment. The primary outcome variable was BOP.

RESULTS

Both treatments improved statistically significantly (p < 0.05) the FMPS, PPD and CAL values, while no statistically significant changes occurred in terms of RC. In the test group, BOP decreased statistically significantly (p < 0.05) after 3 and 6 months, while in the control group the respective values decreased statistically significantly only at 3 months. Both treatments reduced statistically significantly the total bacteria counts (TBC) after 6 months (p < 0.05). At 6 months, the use of SRP and aPDT resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the number of all tested bacteria except A. actinomycetemcomitans while the use of SRP alone resulted only in a statistically significant decrease in the numbers of P. gingivalis, T. denticola and T. forsythia.

CONCLUSIONS

In periodontal patients enrolled in a maintenance program one single session of SRP followed by 3x application of aPDT, enhanced the clinical and microbiological outcomes compared to SRP alone.

Blue photosensitizers for aPDT eliminate Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in the absence of light: An in vitro study

The main treatment of periodontal disease is the mechanical removal of supra and subgingival biofilm. Adjuvant therapies as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) may offer improved clinical and microbiological results. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of toluidine and methylene blue dyes, associated with red laser and LED, on elimination of a suspension of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a). Experimental groups (n = 29) consisted of positive (broth) and negative (gentamicin) controls, three different dyes concentrations (0.05; 0.1; 10 mg/ml) alone or associated with laser (660 nm) at two power settings (70 and 100 mW) and LED (627 ± 10 nm). Bacterial suspension received all treatments, and after serial dilutions they were cultured for 24 h in petri dishes for colony forming unit counts. Data were analyzed by ANOVA complemented by Tukey's test (p < 0.05). The results showed that both dyes, at a concentration of 10 mg/ml, alone or associated with laser and LED, caused 100% of death similar to the negative control (p > 0.05). It can be concluded that blue dyes for aPDT, at high concentration (10 mg/ml), are capable of eliminating A.a without adjuvant use of light sources.

Evaluation of biochemical changes in dental tissues after different office bleaching methods

The color of the teeth is an important topic for many people and can be influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic stains. There is an increasing demand for whitening of the teeth year by year. The most popular way of whitening is "bleaching," which is the result of the breakdown of pigments located in the enamel and/or the dentin, caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) released from bleaching agents. These bleaching agents could increase matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated collagen degradation in dentin. The aim of this study was to compare biochemical changes and oxidative stress levels of the human premolar dentin-pulp complex after three different bleaching methods containing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) bleaching agents. Individuals, whose first four premolars were extracted for orthodontic purposes, included into the study. Group 1-Laser: bleaching gel containing 46% H₂O₂ (LaserWhite20 whitening gel, Biolase Technology Inc., San Clemente, CA, USA) and a diode laser activation (Ezlase 940 nm system). Group 2: 35% H₂O₂ containing whitening gel (Whiteness HP Maxx, FGM) and halogen light source activation (Optilux 501, Kerr, Orange, CA, USA). Group 3: 35% H₂O₂ containing whitening gel (Whiteness HP Maxx, FGM). Group 4-Control: No whitening treatment. According to the test results, there were no significant differences among groups in the values of cathepsin B and MMP proteolytic activities ( p > 0.05). The total ROS values released from the dentin tissue were higher than those obtained from the pulp tissue ( p < 0.05). There were significant differences among the bleaching groups in the ROS values released from the dentin tissue.

Is Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy Effective as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis? A Systematic Review

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate whether antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as either a primary mode of treatment or an adjunct to non-surgical treatment was more effective than scaling and root planing (SRP) alone in treating chronic periodontitis in terms of clinical attachment level (CAL) gain and probing depth (PD) reduction. The focused question was developed using the Patient, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) format, and two authors independently searched the Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases for relevant studies from January 2008 to December 2016. Twenty studies included in this systematic review were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs of aPDT compared to placebo, no intervention, or non-surgical treatment in an adult population. Basic study characteristics, photosensitizing agents and wavelengths used in aPDT, frequency of aPDT application, effect of aPDT on clinical parameters, antimicrobial effect of aPDT in chronic periodontitis, effect of immunological parameters following aPDT and patient-based outcome measures were collected from the studies. Although there was a wide range of heterogeneity in the included studied, they all indicated that aPDT has the potential to be an effective adjunct in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Long-term, multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are needed before aPDT can be recommended as an effective treatment modality.

Effect of photodynamic therapy adjunct to scaling and root planing in periodontitis patients: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

A randomized split-mouth controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in reducing Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) in periodontitis patients.

METHODS

Twenty patients with periodontitis were recruited for the trial. Following random allocation of either quadrants of the selected jaw to test or control treatment, conventional non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) was performed. In addition, the test side received adjunct photodynamic therapy. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing (BoP) and plaque scores (PS%) were recorded at phase 0 (baseline), phase 1 (immediately after NSPT), phase 2 (7 days following NSPT), phase 3 (1 month following NSPT) and phase 4 (3 months following NSPT). Subgingival plaque samples for quantification of Aa by real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed at phases 0, 1, 2 and 4.

RESULTS

There was a significant clinical improvement at phases 3 and 4 compared with baseline while BoP reduced significantly only in the test group at phase 4. However, no difference in the quantification of Aa was detected between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limits of the study, PDT adjunct to scaling and root planing does not lead to quantitative reduction of Aa in periodontitis patients.

Effects of photodynamic therapy in periodontal treatment: A randomized, controlled clinical trial

AIM

To evaluate the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized, single-blind, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial was performed. Sixty patients were enrolled: 20 healthy controls and 40 patients with periodontitis. The 40 patients were randomized for scaling and root planing (SRP) or SRP + PDT. Periodontal (plaque index, probing depth, clinical recession, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing and gingival crevicular fluid volume, corresponding to 381 versus 428 critical sites), microbiological (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Prevotella intermedia and Campylobacter rectus presence, 18 versus 19 samples) and biochemical (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANK-L) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels, 18 versus 19 samples) parameters were recorded.

RESULTS

Within each group, significant improvements were found for clinical parameters, though without significant differences between groups. RANK-L was significantly decreased at week 13 in the SRP + PDT group compared with the SRP group. SRP + PDT, but not SRP alone, significantly reduced the abundance of A. actinomycetemcomitans.

CONCLUSIONS

Except for a significant decrease in the pathogenic burden of A. actinomycetemcomitans, coadjuvant PDT resulted in no additional improvement compared with SRP alone in patients diagnosed with moderate-to-advanced chronic periodontitis.

Effects of root debridement and adjunctive photodynamic therapy in residual pockets of patients on supportive periodontal therapy: A randomized split-mouth trial

BACKGROUND

The study aims to compare the effects of adjunctive photodynamic therapy (PDT) with scaling and root debridement alone on periodontal parameters and inflammatory cytokines in residual pockets of patients undergoing maintenance therapy.

METHODS

27 subjects, each with at least 2 residual pockets ≥5mm, were recruited for this randomized, split-mouth controlled trial, providing total of 72 sites. Probing pocket depth (PPD), recession, clinical attachment loss (CAL), plaque and bleeding on probing of all sites were examined at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Gingival crevicular fluids (GCFs) were collected to determine levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and MMP-8 via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. At baseline, all sites received subgingival instrumentation and polishing. In addition, test sites received a single application of PDT using Fotosan^® with toluidine blue O solution photosensitizer. At 3 and 6 months, site level analysis was performed for changes in clinical parameters and cytokine level.

RESULTS

Based on mixed model analysis, at 3 months, test sites showed significant reduction in CAL (p=0.016) and PPD (p=0.027) (from 6.14±0.28mm to 5.49±0.20mm and 5.42±0.16mm to 4.65±0.18mm respectively) compared to control sites (from 6.32±0.24mm to 6.08±0.17mm and 5.32±0.13mm to 5.15±0.15mm respectively). At 6 months, these differences were no longer significant (p=0.510). Adjunctive PDT did not offer additional reduction in levels of GCF cytokines.

CONCLUSIONS

A single application of PDT to residual pockets provided a modest improvement of CAL and PPD over 3 months. Application of adjunctive PDT may lead to faster resolution of residual pockets and may be recommended for periodontal patients with slower healing capacity.

Is Photodynamic Therapy an Effective Treatment for Periodontal and Peri-Implant Infections?

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) has attracted much attention for the treatment of pathogenic biofilm associated with peridontitis and peri-implantitis. However, data from randomized controlled clinical studies (RCTs) are limited and, to some extent, controversial, making it difficult to provide appropriate recommendations. Therefore, the aims of the present study were (a) to provide an overview on the current evidence from RCTs evaluating the potential clinical benefit for the additional use of PDT to subgingival mechanical debridement (ie, scaling and root planing) alone in nonsurgical periodontal therapy; and (b) to provide clinical recommendations for the use of PDT in periodontal practice.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy combined with periodontal treatment for metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

The relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontal disease is bidirectional. DM is a predisposing and modifying factor of periodontitis, which, in turn, worsens glycemic control and increases proteins found in the acute phase of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein. The gold standard for the treatment of periodontal disease is oral hygiene orientation, scaling and planing. Moreover, systemic antibiotic therapy may be employed in some cases. In an effort to minimize the prescription of antibiotics, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been studied as an antimicrobial technique and has demonstrated promising results. The aim of the proposed study is to determine whether PDT as a complement to periodontal therapy (PT) is helpful in the metabolic control of individuals with type 2 diabetes and the reduction of acute-phase inflammatory markers.

Methods/Design

The patients will be randomized using a proper software program into two groups: 1) PT + placebo PDT or 2) PT + active PDT. All patients will first be examined by a specialist, followed by PT performed by two other healthcare professionals. At the end of each session, PDT (active or placebo) will be administered by a fourth healthcare professional. The following will be the PDT parameters: diode laser (660 nm); power output = 110 mW; exposure time = 90 s per point (9 J/point); and energy density = 22 J/cm². The photosensitizer will be methylene blue (50 μg/mL). The patients will be re-evaluated 15, 30, 90 and 180 days after treatment. Serological examinations with complete blood count, fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin and salivary examinations to screen for tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1, interleukin 6, ostelocalcin, and osteoprotegerin/RANKL will be performed at each evaluation. The data will be statistically evaluated using the most appropriate tests.

Discussion

The results of this study will determine the efficacy of photodynamic therapy as an adjuvant to periodontal treatment in diabetic patients.

Trial registration

The protocol for this trial was registered with Clinical Trials registration number NCT01964833 on 14 October 2013.