Investigating changes occurring in the subgingival microbiological composition of subjects with aggressive periodontitis who were treated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in a single episode, or scaling and root planing (SRP), this study by Dr. Arthur Novaes, et al used a split-mouth design on negative-7, zero, and plus-90 days. Ten patients were randomly assigned to either aPDT using a laser source in conjunction with a photosensitizer, or SRP with hand instruments. Subgingival plaque samples were collected and using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization determined counts of 40 subgingival species. The data were analyzed using the method of generalized estimating equations to test the associations between treatments, evaluated parameters, and experimental times (α = .05). The results indicated that aPDT was more effective in lowering Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans numbers; SRP was more efficient in reducing the presence of Red Complex periodontal pathogens. Within this trial, aPDT and SRP effects on different groups of bacteria suggest that their association may be beneficial for the nonsurgical treatment of aggressive periodontitis.
(Source: Lasers in Medical Science, accessed March 21, 2011)
