ROLE OF PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY IN PERIODONTITIS

Abstract

The etiology of periodontitis is multifactorial and the anatomical complexity of tooth roots serves as niches for bacterial deposits, making eradication of periodontopathogens more difficult both mechanically and chemically. Also, the fact that conventional treatment such as scaling and root planing (SRP) does not completely eliminate periodontal pathogens, led to the use of various adjuvant treatments modalities. A novel noninvasive photochemical approach for infection control, namely photodynamic therapy, has received much attention in the treatment of oral diseases. Three nontoxic ingredients namely visible harmless light, a photosensitizer and oxygen are involved in this therapy. It is based on the principle that a photosensitizer binds to the target cells which when activated by light of a suitable wavelength results in the production of singlet oxygen and other very reactive agents that are extremely toxic to certain cells and bacteria. This article highlights the role of photodyanamic therapy in periodontitis.