Photodynamic Therapy- A Ray towards Periodontics

Abstract

The increase of microbial resistance and development of lighting devices with safe and accurate delivery of energy, today professionals can count on therapies to manage pathogens in different fields of dentistry, especially periodontics. The possibility of development of resistance to antibiotics by the target organism has led to development of a new concept with fewer complications i.e. Photodynamic Therapy. The combination of laser light and photosensitizer known as photodynamic therapy (PDT) can be used in periodontal therapy. LASER produces a monochromatic, collimated and coherent light beam. This unique form of light can interact with living tissues leading to surgical and/ or therapeutic applications. A Photosensitizer is a dye substance that is absorbed by the microorganism, cell or tissue allowing it to interact with the light. This mode of treatment is referred to as photodynamic therapy (PDT) or photo-activated disinfection (PAD). Application of photodynamic therapy in periodontics such as pocket debridement, gingivitis, aggressive periodontitis continue to evolve into a mature clinical treatment modality, and is considered as a promising novel approach for eradicating pathogenic bacteria in periodontitis. This Article presents an overview of photodynamic therapy as it represents a novel therapeutic approach in the management of periodontal diseases.