Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) in Prosthodontics: Disinfection of Human Teeth Exposed to Streptococcus mutans and the Effect on the Adhesion of Full Ceramic Veneers, Crowns, and Inlays: An In Vitro Study.

Corina Elena Tisler,Stanca Cuc,Marioara Moldovan,Mindra Eugenia Badea,Doina Prodan,Alexandru Florin Badea,Radu Chifor,Rahela Carpa,Ioana Chifor

doi:10.3390/biomedicines10010144

Corina Elena Tisler, Stanca Cuc + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10010144

Copy DOI

Abstract

The use of PDT in prosthodontics as a disinfection protocol can eradicate bacteria from tooth surfaces by causing the death of the microorganisms to which the photosensitizer binds, absorbing the energy of laser light during irradiation. The aim of the study was to investigate the capacity of PDT to increase the bond strength of full ceramic restorations. In this study, 45 extracted human teeth were prepared for veneers, crowns, and inlays and contaminated with Streptococcus mutans. Tooth surfaces decontamination was performed using a diode laser and methylene blue as a photosensitizer. The disinfection effect and the impact on tensile bond strength were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and pull-out tests of the cemented ceramic prosthesis. Results show that the number of bacteria was reduced from colonized prepared tooth surfaces, and the bond strength was increased when PDT was used. In conclusion, the present study indicates that using PDT as a protocol before the final adhesive cementation of ceramic restorations could be a promising approach, with outstanding advantages over conventional methods.

Highlights

In recent years, dentistry has experienced a wide development, and patient demands are aligned with the present restorative possibilities
The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of photodynamic therapy in the field of prosthodontics by simulating a clinical cementation protocol of all-ceramic restorations and to underline the double advantage that a single operation can have—simultaneous disinfection and bond strength enhancement
scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of contaminated prepared dental surfaces showed the appearance of Streptococcus mutans biofilm consisting of an agglomeration of cocci that completely covered the dental structures (Figure 2a,c,e)

Summary

Introduction

Dentistry has experienced a wide development, and patient demands are aligned with the present restorative possibilities. All-ceramic restorations can regain lost functions, combining the strength of materials with a clearly superior and stable aesthetic over time, while adhesive cements ensure adequate bonding. These materials require minimum invasive preparations, as they are able to preserve and prolong teeth integrity. Cementation in fixed prosthodontics as a final clinical step can be very challenging. The longevity of the restorations depends on the accuracy of the two main procedures that are performed in the last visit to the clinic—disinfection of the prepared tooth and cementation. The longevity of the restorations depends on the accuracy of the two main procedures that are performed in the last visit to the clinic—disinfection of the prepared tooth and cementation. 4.0/).

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion