Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy Associated With the Conventional Endodontic Treatment: A Clinical and Microbiological Study

Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy Associated With the Conventional Endodontic Treatment: A Clinical and Molecular Microbiological Study

Microorganisms play a critical role in the etiology and pathogenesis of apical periodontitis. Enterococcus faecalis and Candida sp. are frequently associated with persistent infections. The aim of this study was evaluated the antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as an adjunct of the endodontic treatment. Ten uniradicular teeth [control group (CG)=4 and test group (TG)=6] with primary endodontic infections were analyzed. Microbiological samples were collected before and after the chemical-mechanical instrumentation (CMI), after the aPDT (for the TG) and after the temporary restorations removal (second session).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with teeth with: single canal with endodontic infection, intact pulp chamber walls, necrotic pulp confirmed by sensitivity pulp tests, and clinical and radiographic evidence of asymptomatic apical periodontitis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with teeth with: gross carious lesions, root or crown fracture, previous endodontic treatment, gingival recession and periodontal pockets deeper than 4 mm.
• Patients pregnant, lactating, with systemic diseases that could compromise the immune system, individuals who received antibiotic therapy within the previous 3 months or in immunosuppressive treatment.