Photodynamic therapy as adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment in patients on periodontal maintenance: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Clinical Evaluation of Diode Laser as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis and Type II Diabetes Mellitus: A Split-Mouth Study

INTRODUCTION

 The primary goal of periodontal therapy is to arrest the inflammatory disease process which is done by non-surgical and surgical therapies in order to reduce the microorganisms. The outcome of periodontal therapy may not reveal the desired results owing to inaccessible areas for instrumentation, pathogenicity, resistance of the microorganisms, or even due to compromised host response to the treatment. Thus, adjunctive laser therapy has been proposed as a novel treatment modality in the treatment of periodontal disease.  Aim: The aim of this study was to clinically evaluate the effect of a 980 nm diode laser (DEN10B; Wuhan Gigaa Optronics Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China) therapy as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in patients with chronic periodontitis and type II diabetes.

METHODS

Twenty patients were divided into two groups in a split-mouth study design. Group I (Control) comprised mechanical debridement alone and Group II (test) comprised mechanical debridement followed by adjunctive laser therapy. The clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, six weeks, and three months, and the results were analyzed.

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement in gingival and plaque index in the test group. Though there was no significant improvement in probing pocket depth and clinical attachment, the results in the test group were superior relative to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Non-surgical periodontal therapy with adjunctive use of diode laser is effective in the management of generalized chronic periodontitis in patients with type II diabetes which led to a significant reduction in plaque score, gingival index score, probing pocket depth, and gain in clinical attachment level.

Periodontal Health Status in Adults Exposed to Tobacco Heating System Aerosol and Cigarette Smoke vs. Non-Smokers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Tobacco heating systems (THS) are new products on the market, advertised as a less harmful alternative for smokers, in which tobacco is heated and not burned like in conventional cigarettes. This research explored the effect on periodontal tissues in contact with heating and burning tobacco residual products (smoke and tobacco).

METHODS

The sample included 66 subjects, patients of the Clinic of Dentistry in Rijeka, Croatia, aged 26-56 (median 38), 64% females. Three age- and gender-matched groups were formed (each N = 22): non-smokers, classic cigarettes smokers and THS smokers. Probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were primary research parameters.

RESULTS

Three groups differed in average PD and CAL (p ≤ 0.002), with cigarette smokers having the highest and non-smokers the lowest values (p ≤ 0.002). THS consumers generally had lower values of periodontal indices than smokers, but only CAL differed significantly (p = 0.011). Periodontal indices CAL and PD were worse in THS consumers than non-smokers, but they did not reach a level of statistical significance. Cigarette smoking was the only predictor of periodontitis (average CAL ≥ 4 mm) in logistic regression models, with an odds ratio of 4.7 (95% confidence interval 1.2-18.3; p = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to nicotine-containing aerosol of THS in adults has a less harmful effect on periodontal tissues, measurable through periodontal indices (PD and CAL), compared to burning tobacco of conventional cigarettes. THS, presented as an alternative product to classic cigarettes, also has a detrimental effect on the periodontium.

Toxicity evaluation of indocyanine green mediated photodynamic therapy

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study is to determine the cytotoxic, genotoxic and inflammatory effects of indocyanine green (ICG) mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) in direct contact with L-929 mouse fibroblast cells and over a dentin barrier.

METHODS

Eight groups were evaluated; control (C), group with a dentin barrier (D), ICG applied directly on the cells (ICG), ICG applied over a dentin barrier (D-ICG), only laser applied (L), laser applied over a dentin barrier (D-L), ICG and laser applied directly on the cells (ICG-L), ICG and laser applied over a dentin barrier (D-ICG-L). Cell viability was evaluated via ATP Assay, DNA damage was evaluated via Comet Assay, and inflammatory markers IL-1β and TNF-α were assessed via ELISA test.

RESULTS

Cell viability decreased in group ICG (p<0.001). Cell viability decrease was higher in Group ICG-L (p<0.001). Cell viability decrease was lower in group D-ICG-L (p>0.05). Group L caused an increase in cell number (p<0.001). DNA damage was observed in ICG, D-ICG, and ICG-L groups (p<0.05). None of the groups displayed an increase of inflammatory markers IL-1β and TNF-α (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of dentin between ICG and cells acted as a barrier and protected the cells. ICG-mediated PDT did not cause any cytotoxic, genotoxic or inflammatory effect. The use of ICG-mediated PDT for cavity disinfection is acceptable, but at this concentration its use in periodontal pocket disinfection is not recommended due to its cytotoxic and genotoxic properties.

Photodynamic therapy as adjunctive treatment of single-rooted teeth in patients with grade C periodontitis: A randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to evaluate the adjunctive effect of an antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) protocol on single-rooted teeth of patients with grade C periodontitis.

METHODS

Sixty-four single-rooted teeth (14 patients) were included in each group of this double-blinded split-mouth randomized clinical trial. The teeth were randomly divided into scaling and root planing + aPDT (test group) and scaling and root planing+sham aPDT (control group). The aPDT protocol consisted of incubation with 1% methylene blue for 5 min, rinsing, and application of a diode laser (wavelength of 660 nm, power of 100 mW) for 10 s. aPDT was repeated after 7 days. Bleeding on probing (BoP), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were recorded before and 3 months after treatment. A 5% significance level was adopted for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Final PD was significantly (P = 0.02) lower in the test group (2.87 ± 1.40 mm) compared to control (3.12 ± 1.69 mm). The test group showed a significantly higher percentage of sites with PD≤4 mm and concomitant BoP compared to control (91%x86%;P < 0.001). At sites with baseline PD>4 mm, final PD and CAL were significantly (P = 0.01) lower in the test group (4.11 ± 1.66 and 4.89 ± 2.49 mm, respectively) compared to control (4.88 ± 1.99 and 5.89 ± 2.74 mm, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

aPDT combined with scaling and root planning provided slightly better periodontal clinical results than the latter procedure alone, exerting a superior effect at sites with greater baseline PD. aPDT might be used as adjunctive treatment in grade C periodontitis affecting single-rooted teeth since it improves the response to conventional periodontal treatment.

Effectiveness of photodynamic therapy adjunct to oral debridement in improving clinical, microbiological, and pain in necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis

To evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as adjunctive to oral debridement (OD) in the improvement of clinical, microbiological, and pain in patients with necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG). Patients with NUG were split into two groups: Group-OD + PDT received PDT with OD, while Group-OD underwent OD alone. Clinical inflammatory parameters including full mouth plaque scores (FMPS), full mouth bleeding scores (FMBS), and probing depth (PD) were assessed. Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia were analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction technique. Pain examination was done using various pain scales. Group PDT + OD showed more reduction in FMPS, FMBS, and greater reduction in F. nucleatum and P. intermedia count compared to group OD at 12 weeks follow up (p < 0.01). Group PDT + OD showed significantly lower pain scores at 12 weeks (p < 0.05). PDT was more effective in improving clinical parameters, and reducing bacterial counts and pain in NUG patients than dental scaling alone.

The effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on periodontal disease and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES

This study is aimed at determining the effect of concomitant antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPTD) on periodontal disease and glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four patients with T2DM were enrolled in the study. Periodontal clinical parameters were assessed by measuring probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), gingival recession (GR), full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS), full-mouth plaque score (FMPS), and full-mouth sulcus bleeding score (FMSBS). Glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was measured. To determine the presence of the following periodontal pathogenic bacteria, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola, subgingival plaque samples were taken from two periodontal pockets per jaw with the greatest PPD using paper tips. Patients were randomly divided into the test and control group. In the test group, full-mouth disinfection was performed in combination with aPTD. In the control group, only full-mouth disinfection was performed.

RESULTS

The results showed an improvement in periodontal clinical parameters in both groups. The difference between the groups in favour of the test group was statistically significant for BOP. The HbA1c level decreased in both groups. The difference was not statistically significant. The results of the microbiological analysis suggest that the presence of periodontal pathogenic bacteria is lower with additional antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with statistically significant difference for T. forsythia.

CONCLUSIONS

Additional aPDT causes a significant reduction in BoP in the proportion of positive sites for periodontal pathogens.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05816941.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

aPTD is a noninvasive adjunctive therapy that can positively influence the periodontal treatment outcome.

Adjunctive effects of photodynamic therapy using indocyanine green in residual pockets during periodontal maintenance therapy: A split-mouth randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Prospective studies have reported conflicting results regarding the adjunctive effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on clinical and microbiological parameters in individuals under periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and microbiological adjunctive effects of aPDT using indocyanine green (ICG) in residual sites with probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm during PMT in comparison with scaling and root planing (SRP) alone.

METHODS

A split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with 24 individuals in a PMT program. Contralateral quadrants with eligible residual sites were randomly assigned to either SRP + aPDT (test group) or SRP alone (control). aPDT included ICG dye and diode laser (909 nm) performed together with SRP and repeated 15 days after. Periodontal clinical parameters, periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) index, and subgingival biofilm samples were collected at baseline (T1), 3 (T2), and 6 months later (T3). Microbiological analyses were performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Significant improvements were observed in all clinical and microbiological parameters in both groups from T1 to T3. However, no significant differences were observed regarding plaque index, PD, and clinical attachment level. Test group showed significantly greater reductions in bleeding on probing (BOP), PISA index, and Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans levels, when compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Both treatments resulted in significant clinical periodontal improvements, but with no significant differences between groups except from inflammation parameters. aPDT using ICG resulted in significant reductions in BOP and PISA index, as well as in P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans levels.

Effectiveness of photodynamic therapy on clinical and biomarker related periodontal parameters and oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) in Parkinson's disease patients with stage III periodontitis

AIMS

To evaluate the clinical, radiographic, immune modulatory biomarkers and quality of life with the application of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunctive treatment to dental scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients with chronic periodontitis and Parkinson's disease.

METHODOLOGY

Individuals who had a confirmed diagnosis of stage III periodontitis and stage 4 Parkinson's disease according to Hoehn and Yahr scale were involved in this study. The participants were divided into two groups: Group SRP (n = 25) received traditional dental scaling procedure including full-mouth debridement and disinfection, and Group PDT + SRP (n = 25) received both traditional cleaning procedures along with adjunctive chloro‑aluminum phthalocyanine (CAPC) gel (0.005% concentration) mediated PDT. CAPC photosensitizer was activated using a diode laser (wavelength=640 nm, energy=4 J, 150 mW power, and overall power density of 300 J/cm2) for 60 s. The study measured clinical parameters such as plaque score (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and radiographic alveolar bone loss (ABL). Proinflammatory cytokine levels such as interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and oral health related quality of life were also assessed.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients in Group SRP was 73.3 years, while the mean age in Group PDT + SRP was 71.6 years. The PDT + SRP group showed a significant reduction in all clinical parameters at 6 and 12 months compared to the SRP group alone (p < 0.05). IL-6 and TNF-α levels were significantly reduced in the PDT + SRP group at 6 months compared to the SRP group alone (p < 0.05). However, at 12 months, both groups showed comparable TNF-α levels. The results showed that Group PDT + SRP had significantly lower OHIP scores compared to Group SRP, with a mean difference of 4.55 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.98 to 7.12) (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Combined SRP with PDT showed significant improvement compared to SRP alone in terms of clinical parameters, cytokine levels, and oral health-related quality of life in individuals diagnosed with stage III periodontitis associated with Parkinson's disease.

The effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy on the treatment of periodontitis in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the impact of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment on individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement was followed. Searches were carried out in six databases without restriction regarding publication year. Studies comparing periodontal clinical parameters among individuals submitted to non-surgical periodontal therapy associated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and a control group of individuals submitted to only non-surgical periodontal treatment were included. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment (RoB 2.0) were performed by two review authors. Meta-analysis was performed. Mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were provided.

RESULTS

Two hundred and five studies were identified and 11 studies were included. The meta-analysis demonstrated that antimicrobial photodynamic therapy adjunctive to periodontal therapy, in individuals with diabetes, resulted in a greater reduction of bleeding on probing at 6 months and in probing depth at 3 and 6 months in comparison to periodontal treatment alone (p<0.05). The included studies exhibited low risk of bias.

CONCLUSION

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy adjunct to periodontal therapy contributes to the improvement of periodontal clinical parameter bleeding on probing and probing depth in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Association between serum biomarkers and oral health status in children with chronic kidney disease: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum biomarkers and oral health parameters in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum hemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, calcium, parathormone, magnesium, and phosphorus levels were measured in 62 children with CKD aged between 4 and 17 years. Intraoral examinations of the patients were performed by two different pediatric dentists. Dental caries was assessed using the decayed-missing-filled-teeth (DMFT/dmft) indexes, and oral hygiene was assessed using the debris (DI), calculus (CI), and simplified oral hygiene (OHI-S) indexes. Spearman's rho coefficient and generalized linear modeling were used to examine the association between serum biomarkers and oral health parameters.

RESULTS

The results of the study showed that there were negative and statistically significant correlations between serum hemoglobin and creatinine levels and dmft scores in pediatric patients with CKD (p = 0.021 and p = 0.019, respectively). Furthermore, blood urea nitrogen levels and DI and OHI-S scores (p = 0.047 and p = 0.050, respectively); serum creatinine levels and DI, CI, and OHI-S scores (p = 0.005, p = 0.047, p = 0.043, respectively); and parathormone levels and CI and OHI-S scores (p = 0.001 and p = 0.017, respectively) were found to be positively and statistically significantly related.

CONCLUSIONS

There are associations between various serum biomarker levels and dental caries and oral hygiene parameters in pediatric patients with CKD.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The impact of changes in serum biomarkers on oral and dental health is important for dentists' and medical professionals' approaches to patients' oral and systemic health.

Periodontal, Microbiological, and Proinflammatory Cytokines Levels in Fixed Orthodontics Patients Treated with Photodynamic Therapy Adjunct to Full Mouth Scaling

Objective: To assess the efficiency of photodynamic therapy (PDT) adjunct to full mouth scaling (FMS) in improving periodontal, microbiological, and proinflammatory cytokines levels in patients undergoing fixed orthodontics treatment (FOT). Materials and methods: The study recruited 60 teenage patients who were undergoing FOT. All the patients were arbitrarily divided into two groups: Group 1, FMS +PDT and Group 2, FMS alone. Plaque scores (PS), bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing depth (PD) were assessed. Levels of biomarkers interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were evaluated. Samples were collected from gingival plaque for estimation of Prevotella intermedia and Porphyromonas gingivalis load. All measurements were completed at three intervals baseline, 4th week, and 8th week. Post Hoc corrections and intergroup comparisons were examined using Student's t-test and Bonferroni correction. To find differences between repeated follow-ups, analysis of variance (ANOVA) multiple rank tests were used. Results: At baseline, all the gingival parameters displayed comparable outcomes between patients of Group 1 and Group 2 (p > 0.05). However, at 4 and 8 weeks of follow-up, PS and BOP among tested groups exhibited significantly lower values than baseline (p < 0.001). At 8 weeks, there was a significant difference in PS between the two groups tested. Moreover, at 4 and 8 weeks, BOP revealed a significant difference between the groups. PD remains comparable with baseline at follow-up visits (p > 0.05). A significant decrease in IL-6 and TNF-α levels was observed in both investigated groups at 4 and 8 weeks of baseline. Moreover, it was identified that P. intermedia and P. gingivalis were reduced significantly at 4 weeks. Moreover, a significant difference existed between both Group 1 and Group 2 at 4 and 8 weeks of recall visit (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The use of photodynamic treatment adjuvant to FMS aids in improving periodontal parameters and cytokines levels.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in treatment of aggressive periodontitis (stage III, grade C periodontitis): A comparison between photodynamic therapy and antibiotic therapy as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment

BACKGROUND

Treatment of aggressive periodontitis (stage III, grade C periodontitis) represents a challenge. The aim of the study was to compare the long-term results of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and antibiotic therapy as an adjunct to conventional non-surgical therapy in patients with aggressive periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty subjects with untreated aggressive periodontitis (stage III, grade C periodontitis) were divided into two groups: the test group (TG) received non-surgical therapy and two sessions of aPDT using a laser (HELBO TheraLite laser) with a wavelength of 670 nm associated with HELBO Blue photosensitizer, and the control group (CG) received non-surgical therapy and antibiotics (amoxicillin 500 mg and metronidazole 400 mg, 7 days). Clinical parameters of probing depth, clinical attachment level and bleeding on probing (BOP) were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after treatment.

RESULTS

The mean probing pocket depths at baseline were 3.68 mm in TG and 3.51 mm in CG. These values decreased to 2.77 mm (p < 0.05) and 2.54 mm (p < 0.05) 3 months after treatment and stayed decreased after 12 months. Clinical attachment levels at baseline were 3.88 mm in TG and 3.70 mm in CG. These values decreased to 3.06 mm (p < 0.05) and 2.80 mm (p < 0.05) after 3 months and stayed decreased after 12 months. We also found a decrease in BOP after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months in TG and in CG.

CONCLUSIONS

aPDT and antibiotics as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment lead to a comparable improvement in long term periodontal parameters.

The Efficiency of Photodynamic Therapy in the Bacterial Decontamination of Periodontal Pockets and Its Impact on the Patient

Research in the field of periodontal disease continues to focus on disease-associated microorganisms, as the microbial plaque and the host immune responses are considered to be important causative factors, that are highly responsible for the progression of this disease. The purpose of this article is to compare the reduction in the number of specific periodontopathogens in two test groups according to different therapeutic approaches in periodontal disease and to show possible differences. This article is based on a prospective clinical study involving eighteen subjects with forty-four average periodontal pockets assigned to study groups treated by two different methods, SRP and SRP followed by a single PDT application. Efficiency in removing specific bacterial species was evaluated by PCR testing, at baseline and immediately after treatment. The hypothesis that using SRP + aPDT results in an increased decontamination potential was confirmed statistically, when all five specific bacterial pathogens were investigated together. When the pathogens were considered separately, two of the five microorganisms tested were significantly lower in the SRP + PDT group (p < 0.00), and important germ counts reductions were also observed for the other three. There is also a statistically significant relation between the pain at 48 h postoperatively and the type of treatment the patients received, as resulted from the Questionnaire Form. Our results demonstrate that aPDT, as an adjunctive treatment to conservative mechanical cleaning of root surfaces at sites affected by periodontitis, represents an effective tool in terms of reducing specific periodontopathogen germs.

Photodynamic Therapy by Mean of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid for the Management of Periodontitis and Peri-Implantitis: A Retrospective Analysis of 20 Patients

Periodontitis and peri-implantitis are common in the population worldwide. Periodontal diseases affect approximately 50% of adults, while mucositis affects 80% of patients with implants, turning into peri-implantitis at a rate varying from 28 to 58%. If standardized treatments for all degrees and variety of periodontal diseases are known and codified, a consensus on the treatment of peri-implantitis still has to be found. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used successfully in the medical field and was recently introduced as supportive therapy in dentistry. This paper reviews the results on 20 patients, 10 affected by periodontal disease (grades II to III) and 10 by peri-implantitis. Application of 5% 5-aminolevulinic acid gel (ALAD), as a support of causal therapy, in periodontal pockets and areas of peri-implantitis favored the maintenance of severely compromised teeth and significantly improved compromised implant conditions. Between baseline and 6 months, all teeth and implants remained functional. All patients confirmed that the scaling and root planning (SRP)+ALAD-PDT was not painful, and all perceived a benefit after the treatment at all timing points. For periodontal patients, a significant decrease in PPD after 3 (p < 0.001) and 6 months after SRP+ALAD-PDT respect baseline values were observed. For the implant patients, the SRP+ALAD-PDT was correlated to a decrease in PPD and BOP, and a slight increase in the number of exposed threads. However, the results were statistically significant only for PPD (p < 0.001).

One-Year Clinical, Microbiological and Immunological Results of Local Doxycycline or Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy for Recurrent/Persisting Periodontal Pockets: A Randomized Clinical Trial

We evaluated, in this study, the clinical, microbiological and immunological effects of local drug delivery (LDD) or photodynamic therapy (PDT), adjunctive to subgingival instrumentation (SI) in persistent or recurrent periodontal pockets in patients enrolled in supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) after one year. A total of 105 patients enrolled in SPT with persistent/recurrent pockets were randomly treated with SI +PDT or SI + LDD or SI (control). The number of treated sites with bleeding on probing (n BOP+), probing pocket depths (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), full-mouth plaque and bleeding scores (gingival bleeding index, %bleeding on probing-BOP) was evaluated at baseline and after 12 months. Additionally, eight periodontopathogens and the immunomarkers IL-1β (interleukin)and MMP-8 (matrix metalloprotease) were quantitatively determined using real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. All three treatments resulted in statistically significant clinical improvements (p < 0.05) without statistically significant intergroup differences (p > 0.05), which were maintained up to 12 months. The presence of BOP negatively affected the PPD and CAL. Moreover, statistically significantly fewer bleeding sites at 12 months were observed in the test groups (p = 0.049). Several periodontopathogens were reduced after 12 months. In conclusion, the present data indicate that in periodontal patients enrolled in SPT, treatment of persistent/recurrent pockets with SI alone or combined with either PDT or LDD may lead to comparable clinical, microbiological and immunological improvements, which are maintained up to 12 months. Secondly, the presence of BOP directly impacts the PPD and CAL.

The efficacy of adjunctive periodontal therapies during supportive periodontal care in patients with residual pockets. A systematic review and meta-analysis

While it is well-established that patients that develop signs of relapsing periodontitis in supportive periodontal care (SPC) will need to repeat subgingival instrumentation of the residual pockets, less certainty is available in terms of which protocol should be followed and whether the use of adjunctive therapies or physical agents might provide additional benefits to repeated instrumentation alone. The aim of this systematic review was therefore to assess whether repeating subgingival instrumentation in combination with adjunctive therapies (other than antimicrobials) might provide a significant benefit in terms of pocket closure, probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction or clinical attachment level (CAL) gain in patients during SPC with residual/relapsing pockets. Four databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) with a minimum follow-up of 3 months that investigated the use of adjunctive therapies (other than antimicrobials) in case of residual/relapsing pockets in patients in SPC since at least 3 months. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed in the studies meeting the inclusion criteria and meta-analysis was performed when ≥3 studies assessing the same adjunctive therapy were identified. 12 studies (2 CCTs and 10 RCTs) were included for qualitative analysis. Meta-analysis was performed only for 3 studies on the adjunctive use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and it indicated a nonsignificant benefit compared to the placebo in terms of PPD reduction and CAL gain at 3 months (weighted mean difference 0.07 and -0.03, respectively) and at 6 months of follow-up (weighted mean difference -0.09 and -0.18, respectively). While antiseptics did not provide significant benefits, one study on probiotics and one on the use of vitamin D and calcium supplementation showed significant improvements in periodontal parameters. There is currently insufficient/poor evidence to determine the efficacy of adjunctive strategies (other than antimicrobials) to improve the outcomes of SPC in case of residual/relapsing pockets.

Randomized and Controlled Clinical Studies on Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy: An Overview

The emergence of drug-resistant bacteria is considered a critical public health problem. The need to establish alternative approaches to countering resistant microorganisms is unquestionable in overcoming this problem. Among emerging alternatives, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has become promising to control infectious diseases. aPDT is based on the activation of a photosensitizer (PS) by a particular wavelength of light followed by generation of the reactive oxygen. These interactions result in the production of reactive oxygen species, which are lethal to bacteria. Several types of research have shown that aPDT has been successfully studied in in vitro, in vivo, and randomized clinical trials (RCT). Considering the lack of reviews of RCTs studies with aPDT applied in bacteria in the literature, we performed a systematic review of aPDT randomized clinical trials for the treatment of bacteria-related diseases. According to the literature published from 2008 to 2022, the RCT study of aPDT was mostly performed for periodontal disease, followed by halitosis, dental infection, peri-implantitis, oral decontamination, and skin ulcers. A variety of PSs, light sources, and protocols were efficiently used, and the treatment did not cause any side effects for the individuals.

Cytotoxicity of root canal irrigating solutions and photodynamic therapy using curcumin photosensitizer

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown satisfactory antibacterial effects. However, few information regarding the cytotoxicity potential of PDT using curcumin as a photosensitizer (PS) on fibroblasts are found. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of root canal irrigating solutions and photodynamic therapy with curcumin PS on the L-929 cell line.

METHODS

Healthy mouse skin fibroblast cells were distributed into the following 7 experimental groups: G1 - culture medium DMEM (control group); G2 - 0.9% sodium chloride; G3 - 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); G4 - 5% NaOCl; G5 - PDT with curcumin PS at 500 mg/L + blue LED; G6 - PDT with curcumin PS at 750 mg/L + blue LED; and G7 - PDT with curcumin PS at 1000 mg/L + blue LED. All experimental groups which underwent PDT action were submitted to blue LED for 4 minutes, with a wavelength of 480 nm and energy fluency of 75 J/cm². The cultures were maintained under standard cell culture conditions (37°C, 100% humidity, 5% CO₂). Cell viability analysis was performed using the colorimetric method to evaluate the periods of 6, 24, and 48 hours. Data were subjected to the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by the Dunn test to compare groups and Friedman test to compare periods (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

When comparing the periods, no significant differences were observed for any of the experimental groups analyzed (p > 0.05), except for the NaOCl_2.5 group that exhibited higher cell viability at 6 hours compared to the period of 48 hours (p = 0.0489). In the comparisons of the experimental groups, there were no statistically significant differences between the control group compared to all disinfection protocols, regardless of the period evaluated (p > 0.05), except for the PDT + C₁₀₀₀ group that showed lower cell viability (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

PDT with curcumin at 1000 mg/L was cytotoxic on L-929 fibroblast cell culture. However, laser-activated curcumin at a concentration of 500 mg/L presented no influence on L-929 fibroblast cell viability in in vitro conditions.

Classic vs. Novel Antibacterial Approaches for Eradicating Dental Biofilm as Adjunct to Periodontal Debridement: An Evidence-Based Overview

Periodontitis is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease that affects tooth-supporting soft/hard tissues of the dentition. The dental plaque biofilm is considered as a primary etiological factor in susceptible patients; however, other factors contribute to progression, such as diabetes and smoking. Current management utilizes mechanical biofilm removal as the gold standard of treatment. Antibacterial agents might be indicated in certain conditions as an adjunct to this mechanical approach. However, in view of the growing concern about bacterial resistance, alternative approaches have been investigated. Currently, a range of antimicrobial agents and protocols have been used in clinical management, but these remain largely non-validated. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of adjunctive antibiotic use in periodontal management and to compare them to recently suggested alternatives. Evidence from in vitro, observational and clinical trial studies suggests efficacy in the use of adjunctive antimicrobials in patients with grade C periodontitis of young age or where the associated risk factors are inconsistent with the amount of bone loss present. Meanwhile, alternative approaches such as photodynamic therapy, bacteriophage therapy and probiotics showed limited supportive evidence, and more studies are warranted to validate their efficiency.

How can biophotonics help dentistry to avoid or minimize cross infection by SARS-CoV-2?

Biophotonics is defined as the combination of biology and photonics (the physical science of the light). It is a general term for all techniques that deal with the interaction between biological tissues/cells and photons (light). Biophotonics offers a great variety of techniques that can facilitate the early detection of diseases and promote innovative theragnostic approaches. As the COVID-19 infection can be transmitted due to the face-to-face communication, droplets and aerosol inhalation and the exposure to saliva, blood, and other body fluids, as well as the handling of sharp instruments, dental practices are at increased risk of infection. In this paper, a literature review was performed to explore the application of Biophotonics approaches in Dentistry focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic and how they can contribute to avoid or minimize the risks of infection in a dental setting. For this, search-related papers were retrieved from PubMED, Scielo, Google Schoolar, and American Dental Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention databases. The body of evidence currently available showed that Biophotonics approaches can reduce microorganism load, decontaminate surfaces, air, tissues, and minimize the generation of aerosol and virus spreading by minimally invasive, time-saving, and alternative techniques in general. However, each clinical situation must be individually evaluated regarding the benefits and drawbacks of these approaches, but always pursuing less-invasive and less aerosol-generating procedures, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Influence of Adjunctive Photodynamic Therapy on Interleukin-6, Interleukin-8, and Interleukin-10 Gingival Crevicular Fluid Levels in Chronic Periodontitis - A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background:

Numerous studies have assessed the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) both as a primary mode of treatment and as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of periodontitis. Some results were nondefinitive and, in part, inconsistent with respect to the clinical and biochemical effects. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PDT as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and IL-10 levels in the treatment of chronic periodontitis (CP).

Materials and Methods:

In 21 patients with CP, two contralateral sites (premolar and molar) were randomly divided into: control sites (treated with NSPT only) and test sites (treated with NSPT + PDT). Clinical parameters including bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level were evaluated at baseline, 1- and 3 months and biochemical parameters of GCF levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were evaluated at baseline and 3-month post-therapy through enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay.

Results:

A greater improvement in BOP score at 1 month (41.10% ± 3.58%) and 3-months (38.00% ± 3.62%) posttherapy was found in the test site as compared to control site. Regarding cytokines, test sites exhibited significant reductions in IL-6 (4.29 ± 0.67 pg/ml) and IL-8 (308.16 ± 36.04 pg/ml) levels and increase in IL-10 (14.25 ± 0.83 pg/ml) level at 3 months (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Additional application of PDT, adjunctive to NSPT, resulted in a significant reduction in BOP score as well as GCF pro-inflammatory cytokine levels along with an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, compared to NSPT alone.

Effects of multiple sessions of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the treatment of periodontitis in patients with uncompensated type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled clinical study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare, through clinical and microbiological analysis, the use of multiple applications of aPDT as an adjuvant therapy to non-surgical periodontal treatment of stage III and IV grade C periodontitis in type 2 diabetic (DM2) patients.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients with non-compensated DM2 and periodontitis were randomly divided into two groups: SRP Group (n = 17): scaling and root planing (SRP); and SRP+aPDT Group (n = 17): SRP followed by 3 consecutive aPDT applications, immediately, 48 and 96 h after in pockets with probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm. In SRP+aPDT, after 1 min of irrigation with methylene blue (10 mg/ml), the sites were irradiated with a 660 nm diode laser for 50 s (157 J/cm², 4.7 J, 100 mW). Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and Prevotella intermedia (P. intermedia) were quantified by real-time qPCR. Periodontal clinical and microbiological data (baseline, 90 and 180 days) were statistically analyzed (α = 5%).

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in PD and bleeding on probing at 90 and 180 days post-treatment in both groups (p<0.05). The SRP+aPDT group presented a significant reduction in the number of residual pockets at 90 and 180 days (p<0.05). The SRP+aPDT group presented reduced PD means in deep pockets 180 days post-treatment (p<0.05). No differences were observed in P. gingivalis and P. intermedia levels (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of present study indicate that the use of multiples aPDT sessions as adjuvant therapy in the periodontal treatment of uncompensated diabetic patients with periodontitis promotes additional clinical benefits.

Clinical efficacy of single and multiple applications of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in periodontal maintenance: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

At present the clinical efficacy of single (S) versus multiple (M) applications of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is controversially discussed.

AIM

To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of adjunctive S and M applications of aPDT to subgingival debridement (SD) in the treatment of residual periodontal pockets.

METHODS

An electronic search was carried out for randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) reporting on SD with the adjunctive use of S- or M-aPDT applications.

RESULTS

Statistically significantly higher improvement in bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing depth (PD) reduction was found for SD + S-aPDT versus SD, with Mean difference (MD) = -16.8 (95% CI: -30.7 to -2.91; p = 0.02) and 0.4, (95% CI: 0.02 to 0.78, p = 0.04), respectively. Regarding BOP, there was also a statistically significant difference when SD + M-aPDT was compared with SD alone, with a MD of -5.13 (95% CI: -7.20 to -3.07; p < 0.00001). For all parameters, SD + S-aPDT demonstrated the best treatment ranking of probability results, followed by SD + M-aPDT and SD alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Within their limits, the present data indicate that in periodontal patients enrolled in maintenance: a) single and multiple adjunctive applications of aPDT following SD resulted in statistically significant BOP reduction compared to SD alone, and b) repeated applications of aPDT did not seem to result in superior outcomes compared to single applications.

Efficacy of alternative or additional methods to professional mechanical plaque removal during supportive periodontal therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

To systematically review the literature addressing the following focused questions: "What is the efficacy of either (#1) alternative or (#2) additional methods to professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR) on progression of attachment loss during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) in periodontitis patients?".

METHODS

A systematic search for randomized clinical trials was performed. Change in clinical attachment level (CAL) from baseline was the primary outcome.

RESULTS

Routine PMPR performed with either a combination of ultrasonic/hand instruments or Er:Yag laser showed similarly effective in preventing CAL loss. Moreover, a routine SPT regimen based on PMPR led to stability of CAL irrespective of a daily sub-antimicrobial doxycycline dose (SDD). Finally, an adjunctive photodynamic therapy (PDT) did not enhance the magnitude of CAL gain when sites with probing depth ≥4 mm were repeatedly treated. After pooling all data, the results of the meta-analysis showed no statistical differences in CAL change from baseline: mean overall CAL change was -0.233 mm (95% confidence interval: -1.065, 0.598; p = .351).

CONCLUSIONS

Weak evidence indicate that in treated periodontitis patients enrolled in a 3-4 month SPT based on PMPR, Er:Yag laser (as alternative), SDD and PDT (as additional) do not produce a greater clinical effect on periodontal conditions compared to PMPR.

Indocyanine green-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as an adjunct to periodontal therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of indocyanine green–mediated photodynamic therapy (ICG-PDT) as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT), in the management of chronic periodontitis.

Materials and methods

Four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase via OVID, Web of Science) were searched for randomised controlled trials comparing NSPT with ICG-PDT to NSPT without laser therapy. Primary outcome measures were changes in probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Clinical outcomes were extracted and pooled from 7 eligible trials and meta-analyses conducted using mean difference with standard deviations.

Results

For PPD, adjunctive ICG-PDT resulted in a mean additional reduction of 1.17 mm (95% CI: 0.67–1.66 mm) at 3 months and a mean additional reduction of 1.06 mm (95% CI: 0.54–1.57 mm) at 6 months. For CAL, adjunctive ICG-PDT resulted in a mean additional gain of 0.70 mm (95% CI: 0.17–1.23 mm) at 3 months and a mean additional gain of 1.03 mm (95% CI: 0.83–1.24 mm) at 6 months. No adverse events were reported in any studies.

Conclusions

The adjunctive use of ICG-PDT in NSPT results in improved treatment outcomes at 3 and 6 months post-therapy. Further investigation is needed to evaluate variables such as different photosensitiser concentrations and adjusting parameters associated with the light source.

Clinical relevance

Indocyanine green–based photosensitisers may be a novel, clinically efficacious agent for use in the management of periodontitis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00784-021-03871-2.

Clinical and Microbiological Evaluation of Local Doxycycline and Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy during Supportive Periodontal Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological effects of subgingival instrumentation (SI) alone or combined with either local drug delivery (LDD) or photodynamic therapy (PDT) in persistent/recurrent pockets in patients enrolled in supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). A total of 105 patients enrolled in SPT were randomly treated as follows: group A (n = 35): SI +PDT and 7 days later 2nd PDT; group B (n = 35): SI+LDD; group C (n = 35): SI (control). Prior intervention, at 3 and 6 months after therapy, probing pocket depths, clinical attachment level, number of treated sites with bleeding on probing (n BOP), full mouth plaque and bleeding scores (gingival bleeding index, %BOP) were recorded. At the same time points, 8 periodontopathogens were quantitatively determined. All three treatments resulted in statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) of all clinical parameters without statistically significant intergroup differences (p > 0.05). Several bacterial species were reduced in both test groups, with statistically significantly higher reductions for LDD compared to PDT and the control group. In conclusion, the present data indicate that: (a) In periodontal patients enrolled in SPT, treatment of persistent/recurrent pockets with SI alone or combined with either PDT or LDD may lead to comparable clinical improvements and (b) the adjunctive use of LDD appears to provide better microbiological improvements for some periodontal pathogens than SI alone or combined with PDT.

Effects of adjunctive light-activated disinfection and probiotics on clinical and microbiological parameters in periodontal treatment: a randomized, controlled, clinical pilot study

Objectives

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological outcomes of light-activated disinfection (LAD) alone or combined with probiotics as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment.

Materials and methods

In this single-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical pilot study, 48 patients (28 females and 20 males) with untreated periodontitis (stages II and III, grade B) were included. Using a parallel-group design, patients were randomly assigned into 3 groups to receive subgingival debridement (SD) alone (group 1, n = 16), SD with LAD (group 2, n = 16), or SD with LAD plus probiotic treatment (group 3, n = 16). Probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), gingiva-index simplified (GIs), plaque-control record (PCR), and subgingival microbiological samples were analyzed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months of follow-up.

Results

All treatment modalities demonstrated clinical improvements in PPD and CAL at 6 months compared to baseline but without a statistical significant difference between the groups. The combination of SD + LAD + probiotic treatment (group 3) demonstrated significantly greater reductions in BOP, GIs, and red complex bacteria P. gingivalis and T. forsythia compared with other groups at 6 months (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

A single application of LAD as an adjunct to SD provided no additional clinical and microbiological benefits compared to SD alone. The combination of SD + LAD + probiotic treatment in group 3 led to further improvements of the inflammatory parameters.

Clinical relevance

The additional use of probiotics in periodontal treatment can be a useful approach to support inflammation and infection control of periodontal tissues. Further studies are necessary to determine the extent of added benefit for this treatment approach.

Clinical and microbiological effects of adjunctive photodynamic diode laser therapy in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A randomized clinical trial

Background. Conventional mechanical debridement alone cannot eliminate bacteria and their products from periodontal pockets. Adjunctive therapies improve tissue healing through detoxification and bactericidal effects. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive treatment procedure that involves the use of a dye as a photosensitizer to attach to the target cell and be activated by a photon of an appropriate wavelength. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of PDT in treating periodontitis as an adjunct to scaling and root planing.

Methods. Fifteen subjects with chronic periodontitis were treated randomly with scaling and root planing (SRP), followed by a single PDT (test) or SRP (control) episode alone. Full-mouth plaque index (PI), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were assessed at baseline and 1-month and 3-month intervals. Microbiological evaluation of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) in subgingival plaque samples was performed using a commercially available real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results. The results revealed a significant difference in PI, SBI, PD, CAL, and microbiological parameters between the groups one and three months after treatment.

Conclusion. A combination of PDT and SRP gave rise to a significant improvement in clinical and microbiological parameters in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Adjunctive air-polishing with erythritol in nonsurgical periodontal therapy: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

This study was aimed to investigate if the adjunctive use of erythritol air-polishing powder applied with the nozzle-system during subgingival instrumentation (SI) has an effect on the outcome of non-surgical periodontal treatment in patients with moderate to severe periodontitis.

METHODS

Fourty-two individuals with periodontitis received nonsurgical periodontal therapy by SI without (controls, n = 21) and with adjunctive air-polishing using nozzle + erythritol powder (test, n = 21). They were analyzed for the clinical variables BOP (primary outcome at six months), probing depth (PD), attachment level, four selected microorganisms and two biomarkers at baseline, before SI as well as three and six months after SI. Statistical analysis included nonparametric tests for intra- and intergroup comparisons.

RESULTS

In both groups, the clinical variables PD, attachment level and BOP significantly improved three and six months after SI. The number of sites with PD ≥ 5 mm was significantly lower in the test group than in the control group after six months. At six months versus baseline, there were significant reductions of Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola counts as well as lower levels of MMP-8 in the test group.

CONCLUSIONS

Subgingival instrumentation with adjunctive erythritol air-polishing powder does not reduce BOP. But it may add beneficial effects like reducing the probing depth measured as number of residual periodontal pocket with PD ≥ 5 mm when compared with subgingival instrumentation only.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The adjunctive use of erythritol air-polishing powder applied with the nozzle-system during SI may improve the clinical outcome of SI and may reduce the need for periodontal surgery. Trial registration The study was retrospectively registered in the German register of clinical trials, DRKS00015239 on 6th August 2018, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL .

In vivo investigation of diode laser application on red complex bacteria in non-surgical periodontal therapy: a split-mouth randomised control trial

Assessment of the efficacy of a single 810 nm diode laser application as an adjunctive treatment modality during the first intervention of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NPT). 25 patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis underwent a split-mouth randomised control trial. The periodontal pockets of the test quadrants were treated with an 810 nm diode laser as an adjunct to NPT (Picasso GaAlAs; AMD Lasers). The laser was set at 1.0 W continuous wave, 400 µm tip, 796 W/cm² peak power density and a 32 J/cm² energy density. Therapeutic outcomes were evaluated based on the clinical parameters, which included probing pocket depth, recession, clinical attachment level, full mouth plaque score, full mouth bleeding on probing and tooth mobility. The baseline bacterial collection was completed from the periodontal pockets and then re-evaluated at 6 weeks. Clinical parameters demonstrated no statistical difference, with the exception of a statistically significant (P < 0.05) reduction in bleeding on probing for the test side. The test side resulted in a statistical increase of Capnocytophagaspecies and Treponemadenticola. The single application of the diode laser did not significantly improve the bacterial nor the clinical parameters in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Trial registration number: PACTR201909915338276.

Clinical Efficacy of Single Application Local Drug Delivery and Adjunctive Agents in Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

This review aimed to rank the clinical efficacy of commercially available single-application local drug delivery and adjunctive agents (LDAs) compared with subgingival mechanical debridement (SMD) in nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). Randomized controlled clinical trials that compared LDAs against SMD alone or with placebo in adults (aged at least 18 years) diagnosed with periodontitis with a minimum of 6 months follow-up were included. A frequentist approach to random-effects network meta-analysis was implemented. The efficacies of the LDAs measured by probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction and clinical attachment level (CAL) gain were reported as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The treatments were ranked according to their P-score. Four network meta-analyses suggested that sulfonic/sulfuric acid gel (PPD MD −1.13 mm, 95% CI −1.74 to −0.53, P-score 0.91; CAL MD −1.09 mm, 95% CI −1.58 to −0.61, P-score 0.95) and doxycycline hyclate gel (PPD MD −0.90 mm, 95% CI −1.50 to −0.30, P-score 0.93; CAL MD −0.84 mm, 95% CI −1.40 to −0.28, P-score 0.92) were the most effective in reducing PPD and gaining CAL in split-mouth and parallel studies, respectively (moderate certainty of evidence). LDAs have differing efficacies, but they present with possible clinical significance over SMD alone in NSPT.

Adjunctive local treatments for patients with residual pockets during supportive periodontal care: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

AIM

This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of adjunctive locally delivered antimicrobials, compared to subgingival instrumentation alone or plus a placebo, on changes in probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), in patients with residual pockets during supportive periodontal care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature search was performed with electronic databases and by hand until 31 May 2020. Primary outcome was the changes in PPD. The treatment effects between groups were estimated with weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and prediction intervals (PI) by using random-effects network meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were included. Significantly greater PPD reduction was achieved in chlorhexidine chip group (WMD: 0.65 mm, 95% CI: 0.21-1.10) and tetracycline fibre group (WMD: 0.64 mm, 95% CI: 0.20-1.08) over 6-month follow-up. Other adjunctive antimicrobial agents achieved non-significant improvements compared to scaling and root planing alone. All differences between adjunctive therapies were statistically non-significant. Similar findings were observed for CAL gain.

CONCLUSION

Adjunctive local antimicrobial agents achieved small additional PPD reduction and CAL gain in residual pockets for a follow-up of up to 6 months. Tetracycline fibre and chlorhexidine chip achieved better results than other antimicrobials.

Transgingival photodynamic therapy (tg-aPDT) adjunctive to subgingival mechanical instrumentation in supportive periodontal therapy. A randomized controlled clinical study

BACKGROUND

Recent data from preclinical studies and case series suggest that transgingival irradiation with diode lasers may represent a novel modality for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). However, at present, there is lack of data from controlled clinical studies on the use of transgingival antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (tg-aPDT) in the treatment of periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical effects of tg-aPDT used in conjunction with nonsurgical mechanical instrumentation during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty stage II and III periodontitis patients enrolled in SPT were randomly assigned to two groups of equal size. At baseline, study sites had to show sites with pocket probing depth (PPD) of ≥ 5 mm and Bleeding on Probing (BOP). Full mouth and site-specific Plaque-Index scores (PI), BOP, PPD, and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) were recorded at baseline (BL), three months (3 M), and 6 months (6 M), respectively. The primary outcome variable was the change in the number of sites with BOP. Treatment was performed under local anaesthesia after random allocation to one of the following groups 1) Subgingival scaling and root planing (SRP) + tg-aPDT (test) or 2) SRP alone (control).

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients completed the study. Full mouth PI and BOP improved over six month, however without statistically significant difference between the groups. At 6 M, BOP-levels were statistically significantly lower in test sites (25.0 %) compared to the control sites (65.0 %), (p < 0.025). PPD improved in both groups with comparable mean values at 3 M (PPD test: 5.21 ± 0.92 mm; PPD control: 4.45 ± 1.36 mm) and 6 M (PPD test: 5.11 ± 1.10 mm; PPD control: 4.35 ± 1.14 mm). Additionally, CAL slightly improved in both groups with comparable mean values at 3 M (CAL test: 6.79 ± 1.72 mm; CAL control: 5.30 ± 2.43 mm) and 6 M (CAL test: 6.26 ± 1.70 mm; CAL control: 5.50 ± 2.33 mm).

CONCLUSIONS

Within its limits, the present results appear to indicate that the use of tg-aPDT adjunctive to SRP may represent a new modality for controlling inflammation and further bleeding in residual periodontal pockets.

Applications of Lasers in Refractory Periodontitis: A Narrative Review

Objective:

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the various lasers in dentistry and to investigate if it can be used for treatment of refractory periodontitis.

Methods:

The study followed partially the PRISMA guidelines as it is a narrative review. A number of articles were selected from a period of 1980 to 2020 from databases, PubMed, PubMed central, Cochrane and Scopus. Articles related to the effects of lasers on periodontitis both refractory and aggressive were investigated.

Results:

After reviewing the literature, 70 articles were found, related to application of lasers in periodontal diseases. Out of the 70, 11 articles pertained to the effect of laser for the treatment of Refractory and inflammatory periodontitis. 5 articles related to experimental animal models, one pertaining to in-vitro and six studies related to in-vivo in human cohorts.

Discussion:

It was found that lasers if used in controlled parameters by incorporating laser assisted treatment such as Photodynamic therapy and low level laser therapy can be of use as an adjunct therapy for treatment of refractory periodontitis. The use of different wavelengths in the initial and maintenance phase of periodontal disease plays a positive role. The presence of in-vitro and animal model studies is one of the limitation to this study. The available studies have shown marked reduction in inflammation and better clinical and microbiological parameters. The drawback of this study is the limited literature involving laser management for refractory periodontitis in human cohorts.

Conclusion:

Different wavelengths of laser and choice of laser assisted periodontal treatment plays an important role in the overall progress and prognosis of periodontal disease activity.

Bactericidal and clinical efficacy of photochemotherapy in acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis

AIM

This study was designed to investigate the clinical and microbiological parameters with photochemotherapy (PCT) against conventional debridement (CD) among patients with necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with a diagnosis of NUG were divided into two groups: 'Group-PCT' that underwent indocyanine green-mediated PCT with adjunctive mechanical debridement, and Group-CD that underwent mechanical debridement with adjunctive 3 % hydrogen peroxide/chlorhexidine rinse. Clinical inflammatory gingival parameters including full-mouth plaque scores (FMPS), bleeding scores (FMBS), and probing depth (PD) were measured. Counts of Treponema microdentium, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia were assessed using polymerase chain reaction technique. All assessments were done at baseline, 3 weeks and 6 weeks.

RESULTS

Twenty-six participants were contacted and agreed to participate in the trial. The mean age of participants in group-PCT was 24.5 years while the mean age of patients in group-CD was 26.7 years. FMPS showed significant but equal reduction in both the groups at 3 weeks and 6 weeks (p < 0.01). The reduction in mean FMBS was higher in the group-PCT at 6 weeks follow-up (p < 0.05). All bacterial levels reduced from baseline to follow-up with both PCT and CD groups (p < 0.05). Group-PCT showed significantly reduced counts of T. microdentium and F. nucleatum at 3 weeks and 6 weeks compared with group-CD (p = 0.024). Equal reduction was shown for P. intermedia between both the groups at 3 and 6 weeks, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Application of adjunctive photochemotherapy was both clinically and microbiologically effective in the treatment of NUG.

The effectiveness of photodynamic therapy as a complementary therapy to mechanical instrumentation on residual periodontal pocket clinical parameters: A clinical split-mouth test

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy as complementary therapy to mechanical instrumentation on periodontal residual pockets. This longitudinal, prospective, double-blind and controlled split-mouth clinical trial included one hundred and fourteen residual periodontal sites with probing depth ≥ 4 mm and bleeding on probing, which were distributed into two groups: 57 in the test group (SRP + aPDT) - using a low power laser application Therapy XT (DMC Equipamentos Ltda, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil) with operational parameters of 660 nm and 110 mW for 15s, and 57 in the control group (SRP). Oral hygiene conditions were evaluated, through the Visible Plaque Index (VPI) and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), as well as periodontal clinical outcomes, comprising the Bleeding on Probing (BOP), Probing Depth (PD) and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) at baseline and after 3 months. Decrease of 17.74% was observed for the VPI after 3 months of follow-up, while the GBI was reduced by 19.91%, thus indicating statistically significant decreases for both parameters (p < 0.001). Decreases in VPI per site, BOP and PD and CAL gain between T₀ and T₃ in both treatment groups (p < 0.001) were observed, but no statistically significant intergroup differences were found (p > 0.05). Within the parameters used in this study, adjuvant aPDT to SRP did not lead additional benefits regarding the assessed clinical parameters after three months.

Clinical outcomes of adjunctive indocyanine green-diode lasers therapy for treating refractory periodontitis: A randomized controlled trial with in vitro assessment

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

It is still challengeable to treat periodontal pockets refractory to mechanical debridement. This study is to evaluate the potential of indocyanine green (ICG)-diode laser-based photothermal therapy (PTT) for solving this dilemma.

METHODS

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) were incubated with phosphate-buffered saline, chlorhexidine, or ICG, non-irradiated or irradiated with 810-nm diode lasers, and the cell viability was evaluated. Patients with teeth refractory to mechanical periodontal debridement on different quadrants were recruited. At baseline (T0), all examined teeth received scaling and root planing, and those on the test quadrant (PTT group) received ICG-diode laser treatment. The outcome was evaluated using clinical parameters and cytokines in the gingival crevicular fluids at 4-6 weeks (T1) and 6 months (T2).

RESULTS

In ICG-treated cultures, the viability of BMSCs and PDLCs was recovered on day 4, and laser irradiation inhibited the metabolic activities of BMSCs. 22 patients with 30 control teeth and 35 PTT-treated teeth were examined. All examined teeth showed modest reductions in probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding upon probing (BOP), and plaque score at T1 and T2 and significant reductions in IL-1β and MMP-8 at T2. Compared with controls, BOP was reduced more prominently, IL-1β and MMP-8 were significantly lower, and reductions in PPD and CAL were slightly greater in the PTT group at T1 (0.05-0.19 mm).

CONCLUSION

ICG-diode laser-based PTT is compatible to periodontium and assists in faster resolution of gingival inflammation in periodontal pockets refractory to mechanical debridement.

Photoactivated disinfection in periodontal treatment: A randomized controlled clinical split-mouth trial

BACKGROUND

Photoactivated disinfection (PAD) could support the periodontal treatment outcome. The effect of the light emitting diode (LED) as an innovative light source in PAD is under discussion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological effect of adjunctive PAD in the treatment of periodontitis with a red LED as light source.

METHODS

Twenty patients with periodontitis completed this split-mouth study. The left and right side of the jaws were randomly assigned to either test or control group. After conservative periodontal treatment in both groups, the test group received two sessions of adjunctive PAD (red LED, 635 nm, photosensitive dye, 0.01% tolonium chloride), whereas the control group received no adjunctive PAD. The parameters of clinical periodontal examination-including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP) and microbiological assays (PCR) were evaluated before and after treatment.

RESULTS

After 3 months, both treatment groups showed significant improvements regarding BOP, PD, and CAL compared to baseline, with no significant difference between control and treatment group. The recolonization of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola was reduced after adjuvant treatment, but not significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

The positive effect of adjunctive PAD regarding clinical parameters was reported in recent trials. In this study and with the current settings, both treatment groups showed similar clinical results after initial periodontal treatment, without beneficial effect of adjunctive PAD.

Quaternized Zn(II) phthalocyanines for photodynamic strategy against resistant periodontal bacteria

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) has been featured as an effective strategy in the treatment of acute drug-resistant infections. The efficiency of PDI was evaluated against three periodontal pathogenic bacteria that were tested as drug-resistant strains. In vitro studies were performed with four water-soluble cationic Zn(II) phthalocyanines (ZnPc1-4) and irradiation of a specific light source (light-emitting diode, 665 nm) with three doses (15, 36 and 60 J/cm2). The well detectable fluorescence of ZnPcs allowed the cellular imaging, which suggested relatively high uptakes of ZnPcs into bacterial species. Complete photoinactivation was achieved with all studied ZnPc1-4 for Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) at a light dose of 15 J/cm2. The photodynamic response was high for Prevotella intermedia (P. intermedia) after the application of 6 μM of ZnPc1 and a light dose of 36 J/cm2 and for 6 μM of ZnPc2 at 60 J/cm2. P. intermedia was inactivated with ZnPc3 (4 log) and ZnPc4 (2 log) with irradiation at an optimal dose of 60 J/cm2. Similar photoinactivation results (2 log) were achieved for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans) treated with 6 μM ZnPc1 and ZnPc2 at a light dose of 60 J/cm2. The study suggested that PDI with quaternized Zn(II) phthalocyanines and specific light irradiation appears to be a very useful antimicrobial strategy for effective inactivation of drug-resistant periodontal pathogens.

Clinical and microbiological effects of multiple applications of antibacterial photodynamic therapy in periodontal maintenance patients. A randomized controlled clinical study

BACKGROUND

At present, very limited data are available on the clinical and microbiological outcomes obtained following repeated application of aPDT following one single mechanical debridement.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate clinically and microbiologically the outcomes following one single session of subgingival mechanical debridement (scaling and root planing; e.g. SRP) followed by 1x immediate application of aPDT and 2 x subsequent use of aPDT without SRP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty patients diagnosed with generalized chronic periodontitis that were enrolled in periodontal maintenance (supportive periodontal therapy) program, were randomly assigned to one of the two treatments: 1. SRP by means of ultrasonic and hand instruments followed by one single session of SRP followed by 1x immediate application of aPDT and 2 x subsequent applications of aPDT without SRP (test) or 2. SRP alone (control). The following clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, at 3 and 6 months: Full-Mouth Plaque Scores (FMPS), Full-Mouth Bleeding Scores (BOP), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) and Gingival Recession (RC). Additionally, microbiological samples were evaluated at baseline and six months after treatment. The primary outcome variable was BOP.

RESULTS

Both treatments improved statistically significantly (p < 0.05) the FMPS, PPD and CAL values, while no statistically significant changes occurred in terms of RC. In the test group, BOP decreased statistically significantly (p < 0.05) after 3 and 6 months, while in the control group the respective values decreased statistically significantly only at 3 months. Both treatments reduced statistically significantly the total bacteria counts (TBC) after 6 months (p < 0.05). At 6 months, the use of SRP and aPDT resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the number of all tested bacteria except A. actinomycetemcomitans while the use of SRP alone resulted only in a statistically significant decrease in the numbers of P. gingivalis, T. denticola and T. forsythia.

CONCLUSIONS

In periodontal patients enrolled in a maintenance program one single session of SRP followed by 3x application of aPDT, enhanced the clinical and microbiological outcomes compared to SRP alone.

Diode Laser - A Novel Therapeutic Approach in the Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Introduction: Maturity-onset diabetes mellitus affecting the elderly population is marked by insulin resistance and decreased insulin production. The relationship between periodontitis and diabetes is bidirectional. Type 2 diabetic patients are more prone to chronic periodontitis (CP) and severe periodontitis affects the glycemic control in such patients. Recently, dental diode laser has become an effective tool in controlling CP. To date, very few studies have been conducted to check the efficacy of diode laser in control of periodontal destruction in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) patients. Hence, the need of the study was to evaluate whether diode laser helps improvement of periodontal outcome and reduction in anaerobic bacteria in elderly diabetic patients with CP. Methods: Forty DM2 patients with CP were randomized into group A (control): scaling and root planing (SRP) only and group B (test): SRP followed by soft tissue dental diode laser (808 nm) application. Four patients (2 in each group) were lost during follow up. Clinical parameters, plaque samples and glycated hemoglobin levels were evaluated at both baseline and 90 days post-treatment. Results: Improvement in clinical, microbiological and glycemic parameters were noted in the group that received SRP as well as SRP + LANAP (laser-assisted new attachment procedure). The reductions in clinical parameters were statistically significant after 3 months (P<0.001). The microbial analysis of plaque samples for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) decreased significantly after 3 months in group B than in group A. Glycated hemoglobin level (HbA1c) decreased significantly after 90 days in both the groups (P<0.001) with more reduction in the SRP+LANAP group (6.49%) in comparison to SRP alone (16.25% vs. 9.76%). However, on the intergroup comparison, the difference in HbA1c reduction was nonsignificant. Conclusion: Laser as an adjunct to SRP is an effective procedure for improving clinical and microbiological parameters in maturity onset diabetes mellitus patients with CP. Also, there was a better improvement in glycemic control in the test group compared to control group after 3 months. Hence, medically compromised patients like DM2 with CP with delayed wound healing can effectively be treated by laser as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy for better results.

Photodynamic and photobiological effects of light-emitting diode (LED) therapy in dermatological disease: an update

Benefit deriving from the use of light is known since ancient time, but, only in the last decades of twentieth century, we witnessed the rapid expansion of knowledge and techniques. Light-emitted diode (LED)-based devices represent the emerging and safest tool for the treatment of many conditions such as skin inflammatory conditions, aging, and disorders linked to hair growth. The present work reviews the current knowledge about LED-based therapeutic approaches in different skin and hair disorders. LED therapy represents the emerging and safest tool for the treatment of many conditions such as skin inflammatory conditions, aging, and disorders linked to hair growth. The use of LED in the treatment of such conditions has now entered common practice among dermatologists. Additional controlled studies are still needed to corroborate the efficacy of such kind of treatment.