Photodynamic therapy in combating the causative microorganisms from endodontic infections

• Published in: European journal of dentistry Vol. 8; no. 3; pp. 424 - 430
• Main Authors: de Oliveira, Bruna Paloma, Aguiar, Carlos Menezes, Câmara, Andréa Cruz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: A-12, Second Floor, Sector -2, NOIDA -201301, India Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Private Ltd 01.07.2014; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd
• Subjects: Cancer; Care and treatment; Diagnosis; Endodontics; Methods; Photochemotherapy; Review; Review Article; Tooth diseases; root canal; photodynamic therapy; Endodontics
• ISSN: 1305-7456; 1305-7464
• DOI: 10.4103/1305-7456.137662

ABSTRACT Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is presented as a promising antimicrobial therapy that can eliminate microorganisms present in endodontic infections. This treatment is based on the use of a nontoxic photosensitizing agent followed by irradiation of a resonant light source being capable of generating highly reactive species that are harmful to microorganisms. The purpose of this paper is to review the dental literature about the main factors that encompass the use of PDT combined with endodontic treatment for decontamination of the root canal system. A literature search was performed using the following index databases: PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge and MedLine, between 2000 and 2014, looking for studies regarding antimicrobial action of PDT and its application to endodontic therapy. It was observed that despite numerous promising results, it is still necessary to establish different parameters so that PDT can be used with maximum effectiveness in eliminating microorganisms that cause endodontic infections.