Study of the effects of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on induced-periodontitis in rats

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used for the treatment of neoplasm and antimicrobial reduction. It can be defined as the eradication of target cells by reactive oxygen species produced by the interaction between a photosensitizing agent and a light source of an appropriate wavelength. This therapy is local, repeatable and non-invasive technique, which might be an effective alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of local infections. PDT can also be used in the dental office since the oral microorganisms are well-known. The purpose of this work is to investigate the effects of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on induced-periodontitis in rats as well as to investigate possible deleterious effects of the therapy by histomorphometry. Optimal conditions of irradiation and the interaction photosensitizer-bacterial medium will be also investigated by optical absorption spectroscopy. Photodynamic therapy will be compared to conventional mechanical treatment of plaque removal in order to verify if this new therapy could be an adjunctive to periodontal practice. (AU)