Assessment of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) in Disinfection of Deeper Dentinal Tubules in a Root Canal System: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Context: The success of endodontic treatment therapy depends on how well we eliminate pathogenic microflora from the root canal system as micro organism as the major cause of root canal infection. Conventional root canal treatment can fail if microorganisms cannot be removed sufficiently by thorough cleaning, shaping of root canal. Newer modalities such as photodynamic therapy are being tried now a days for disinfection of root canals. Aim & Objectives:The basic aim of this study was assessment of the antimicrobial efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy in deeper dentinal tubules for effective disinfection of root canals using microbiological and scanning electron microscopic examination in vitro. Materials and Methods:The study was conducted at Teerthanker Mahaveer Dental College & Research Centre. The teeth required for study was collected from Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Only freshly extracted 20 intact, non carious single rooted teeth which were indicated for orthodontic treatment were taken for this study. Statistical analysis was done using Student's Unpaired t-test were at (p<0.001) was found to be highly significant. Microbiological examination of samples were done and colony forming units were counted to assess the disinfection potential of photodynamic therapy. Scanning electron microscopic examination of samples was done to check penetration of bacteria's into deeper dentinal tubules.Results: On examination, there was a marked reduction in microbial growth after use of photodynamic therapy. On scanning electron microscopic examination, it was observed that there were less number of bacteria's in deeper dentinal tubules in case of PDT group as compared to control group. Conclusion:The results of the present study indicate that PDT can be effectively used during antimicrobial procedures along with conventional disinfection procedure for sterilization of root canals.

Endodontic treatment associated with photodynamic therapy: Case report

“…The chemical-mechanical technique used in the photodynamic therapy is an important clinical tool for the reduction of microorganisms since canal instrumentation promotes the release of smear layer and dentin debris, allowing greater opening of the dentinal tubules, and consequently an increase in permeability of the photosensitizing agent within the dentin 14,15 . In fact, studies indicate that this treatment technique is a viable alternative and capable of providing higher-quality treatment and significantly reduce the amount of viable microorganisms and signs of periapical inflammation 5,7,10,13,[16][17][18][19] .…”

Photodynamic therapy as an aiding in the endodontic treatment: case report

“…It is worth noting that, according to Tennert et al [17] and Bumb et al [18], PDT cannot replace irrigation during the chemical preparation of the canals, being only an effective supplement in the disinfection of root canals, especially in cases of endodontic retreatment. Advances in root canal disinfection using new technologies and based on recent studies can improve the ability to disinfect the root canal system.…”

Evaluation of Photodynamic Therapy Efficacy in Eliminating Enterococcus faecalis Biofilm: A Preliminary Study

“…Photodynamic ther apy is a new treatment protocol in dentistry and the number of corresponding studies is limited. Bumb et al [12] evaluated the depth of dentinal tubules at which PDT is effective in eliminating E. faecalis. Scanning electron microscope images confirmed the absence of infection at a depth of 890-900 µm.…”