September 2013

Photo- Activated Disinfection Therapy for Dental : A Review

Context therapy to decrease infections in patients undergoing The oral cavity harbours more than 700 bacterial dental treatments or oral surgery will help to inform species ― most being normal healthy flora. However, decisions about its use. some of these microorganisms are responsible for Methods infections that include periodontal diseases and osteomyelitis of the jaw. During oral surgery, the oral A limited literature search was conducted of key cavity is disinfected using chemical solutions such as resources, and titles and abstracts of the retrieved and iodine to reduce the risk of wound publications were reviewed. Full-text publications infections or bloodstream infection (bacteremia). were evaluated for final article selection according to Mechanical cleaning of the affected surfaces is the predetermined selection criteria (population, gold standard for reducing the infection risk of intervention, comparator, outcomes, and study periodontal and endodontic treatments. designs). Technology Key Messages Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy ― or photo-activated disinfection ― is a technology based For : on the production of free oxygen radicals capable of  Photo-activated disinfection does not affecting the membranes of microorganisms. The appear to improve outcomes when used technique uses a photosensitizer substance, usually together with periodontal treatment. toluidine blue, which can be activated with a suitable For presurgical disinfection: wavelength and light source. After its activation,  It is unknown whether photo-activated energy is produced that is capable of transforming the disinfection is an effective method. surrounding oxygen into free radicals. The free radicals then attack the exposed microorganisms. Results Issue The literature search identified 239 citations, with Photo-activated disinfection may be used in no additional articles identified from other sources. to reduce the bacterial load for periodontal lesions Of these, 5 of the studies were deemed potentially during root canals, prior to oral surgery, or during relevant and 4 met the criteria for inclusion in this periodontal treatments. A review of the clinical review — 4 articles reporting on 2 randomized efficacy and safety of photo-activated disinfection controlled trials.

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