Abstract
The photodynamic therapy (PDT) has a long history of use and now is a worldwide recognized modality in many fields of medicine like dermatology, oncology and dentistry. A specific kind of PDT is the local antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) which is considered by some authors as alternative of antibiotic therapy. However, the existing clinical studies are controversial in their conclusions especially regarding its clinical effectiveness. Additionally, there is no consensus on the quantitative measurement of aPDT namely the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) when different photosensitizers are activated. It also remains unclear how the specific ecological factors in the oral cavity like the local pH, the presence of biofilm matrix etc. could influence the aPDT effectiveness.
Learning Objectives
- The lecture is discussing some important aspects of the local aPDT including evidence based quantitative measurement of ROS production of different photosensitizers.
- The influence of the main oral environmental factors on the clinical effectiveness of aPDT is explained in details.
- The clinical part of the lecture presents the main clinical indications for local aPDT in dentistry.
- Author’s clinical protocol for therapy of peri-mucositis and peri-implantitis is presented and illustrated with relevant clinical cases.
- New potential applications of aPDT are discussed.
