Light Activated Disinfection in Root Canal Treatment—A Focused Review

Abstract

Light activated disinfection (LAD) is a strategy for optimizing root canal disinfection by using a highly-selective, targeted killing of bacteria using a combination of photosensitizers and light. Over the past decade, numerous in vitro and clinical studies have been performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of this mode of root canal disinfection. While most studies offer an important understanding of the effectiveness of LAD on monospecies biofilms, few have offered credence to the fact that infections of the root canal system are mediated by polymicrobial biofilms. Hence, it is imperative to understand the effect of LAD on polymicrobial biofilms both in terms of microbial killing and the changes in the biofilm architecture. The aim of this review was to systematically review the literature to evaluate the effect of LAD on dual and multispecies biofilms and demonstrate the antibiofilm effect of LAD. Two databases (PubMed and Scopus) were searched to identify eligible studies using a combination of key words. These studies were reviewed to draw conclusions on the effect of LAD on dual and multi species biofilm and the antibiofilm effect of LAD. It was found that LAD alone may be unable to eradicate dual and multispecies biofilms, but it may enhance the effect of conventional canal debridement strategies. Novel formulations of photosensitizers with nanoparticles showed the potential to inhibit biofilm formation and/or disrupt the biofilm architecture.

Microbiological Aspects of Root Canal Infections and Disinfection Strategies: An Update Review on the Current Knowledge and Challenges

“…Photodynamic therapy involves the use of light at a specific wavelength that interacts with a photo-absorbing photosensitizer to excite its electronic layers to a so-called triplet state. In this state, the photosensitizer may react with molecular oxygen and generate reactive oxygen species that elicit an antibacterial effect by degrading microbial lipids, proteins, and DNA [ 227 , 228 ]. Several options exist for photosensitizers such as methylene blue [ 204 ], Rose bengal-conjugated chitosan [ 229 ], toluidine blue [ 230 ], and indocyanine green [ 231 ].…”

Peran photodynamic therapy dalam perawatan periodontal non-bedah

“…(8) PDT terdiri dari tiga elemen yaitu photosensitizer (pewarna), oksigen, dan cahaya tampak. (7) Prinsipnya adalah ketika photosensitizer mengikat sel target dan diaktivasi oleh cahaya dengan panjang gelombang yang sesuai, singlet oxygen dan Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) lainnya diproduksi sehingga menciptakan suasana toksik untuk sel tertentu dan bakteri. (1) Penyerapan energi dari sumber cahaya tertentu menyebabkan photosensitizer tereksitasi dan berubah dari ground state menjadi triple state.…”

“…(1) PDT memiliki tiga elemen yaitu photosensitizer (pewarna), oksigen, dan cahaya. (7) Photosensitizer yang umum digunakan adalah Toluidine Blue O (TBO). TBO bereaksi dengan lipopolisakarida membran sel bakteri Gram-negatif maupun Gram-positif.…”

Clinical efficacy of activated irrigation in endodontics: a focused review

“…Coherent and non-coherent light has been suggested for antimicrobial treatment of root canals. Light-activated disinfection (antimicrobial photodynamic therapy [aPDT], or photoactivated disinfection), targets specific microbial cells using a non-toxic photosensitizer dye and a light source with specific wavelengths [ 37 ]. Common photosensitizers include methylene blue, toluidine blue, Rose Bengal and indocyanine green.…”