Photodynamic Therapy for Periodontal Diseases

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be an effective way to treat the bacteria associated with periodontal diseases, and could provide a better option than antibiotics or other mechanical methods of treatment, according to a new study published in the March 2007 issue of the Journal of Periodontology. Researchers at São Paulo State University in Brazil found that using PDT was an effective method to minimize destruction of periodontal tissue, which can accompany treatment for periodontal diseases. In an animal model involving a rat population, researchers found that PDT did minimal damage to periodontal tissues, in comparison to other techniques including scaling and root planing and antibiotic therapy. 

“We found that PDT is significantly less invasive than other treatments for periodontal diseases,” said study author Dr. Valdir Gouveia Garcia, from the Department of Periodontology at São Paulo State University. “It can provide im-proved dentin hypersensitivity, reduced inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth, and allows tissues to repair faster.” 

PDT may be an alternative to antibiotic treatment, which is becoming increasingly important as antibiotic resistance increases. PDT involves 2 stages. First, a light-sensitive drug is ap-plied to the area. Second, a light or laser is shone on that area. When the light is combined with the drug, phototoxic reactions induce the destruction of bacterial cells. The Food and Drug Administration first approved PDT in 1999 to treat precancerous skin lesions of the face or scalp. 

“This is an exciting finding,” said Preston D. Miller, Jr, DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology. “PDT may be an effective therapy for the treatment of periodontal diseases. While patients have many options for treating their periodontal diseases, PDT could prove to be a preferable alternative to antibiotic therapy. Unfortunately, long-term antibiotic therapy not only decreases the drug’s effectiveness, but also may lead to the development of drug resistant organisms. Our academy supports future research to further define the application of PDT as a means to treat periodontal disease.”