Photoactivated Disinfection in Endodontics

Abstract

Photo-activated disinfection (PAD) has emerged as a novel technique the for antimicrobial disinfection of root canals. The combination of an effective photosensitizer (PS), the appropriate wavelength of light and ambient oxygen is the key factor in PAD. PAD uses a specific wavelength of light to activate a nontoxic dye (PS), leading to the formation of reactive oxygen species. These reactive oxygen molecules can damage bacterial proteins, membrane lipids, and nucleic acids, which promote bacterial cell death. Literature review indicates that PAD may be developed as an adjunctive procedure to kill residual bacteria in root canal system after standard endodontic treatment. This paper discusses photo-activated disinfection (PAD) of root canals in endodontics, including its components, mechanism of action, challenges and advancements in PDT technique.