Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the use of optic fiber and different pre-irradiation times (PIT) in phototherapy with LED for the root canal disinfection of bovine teeth infected in vitro with Enterococcus faecalis.Methodology: The teeth were incubated for 60 days and divided into six groups according to disinfection protocol: Group 1 – distilled water; Group 2 – 1 minute PIT and no optic fiber; Group 3 – 1 minute PIT and optic fiber; Group 4 – 5 minute PIT and no optic fiber; Group 5 – 5 minute PIT and optic fiber; Group 6 – 2% sodium hypochlorite. Microbiological test (CFUs counting) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of proposed treatments.Results: SEM analysis of canal wall, in the three thirds, revealed group 6 had the best results, whereas microbiological results revealed that group 6 had the best results. No differences in disinfection of root canals were found when optic fiber was used for photodynamic therapy. Conclusion: Photodynamic therapy should not be used alone in the disinfection of root canals, but it may be valuable as a complement for disinfection performed using different cleaning methods.
Highlights
Enterococcus faecalis, a Gram-positive anaerobic facultative coccus, plays an important role in the failure of endodontic therapy; it is often found in chronic periapical lesions in cases of endodontic retreatment [1,2,3]
Its virulence is associated with its resistance to most frequently used intracanal medications and its capacity to survive in root canals without the support of other bacteria [4,5,6]
No differences in disinfection of root canals were found when optic fiber was used for photodynamic therapy
Summary
Enterococcus faecalis, a Gram-positive anaerobic facultative coccus, plays an important role in the failure of endodontic therapy; it is often found in chronic periapical lesions in cases of endodontic retreatment [1,2,3]. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been described as an alternative for the disinfection of root canals, and results have been positive, when used against E. faecalis [7,8,9,10]. It uses low density light (laser or LED) associated with exogenous photosensitizers that absorb light and trigger chemical events that result in the production of oxygen reactive species, which are toxic to tumor cells, bacteria and fungi [7,8,11]. It is necessary to know how this treatment would act on consolidated biofilm with microorganisms that are resistant to traditional therapies
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
