Published in:
01-05-2013 | Review
Photodynamic therapy in dentistry: a literature review
Authors:
Hare Gursoy, Ceyda Ozcakir-Tomruk, Jale Tanalp, Selçuk Yılmaz
Published in:
Clinical Oral Investigations
|
Issue 4/2013
Login to get access
Abstract
Objectives
The purpose of this review was to summarize recent developments regarding photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the field of dentistry.
Materials and methods
A review of pertinent literature was carried out in PubMED to determine the current position of PDT applications in dentistry. One hundred thirteen relevant articles were retrieved from PubMED by inserting the keywords “photodynamic therapy”, “dentistry”, “periodontology”, “oral surgery”, and “endodontics”. It is anticipated that this overview will create a specific picture in the practitioner’s mind regarding the current status and use of PDT.
Results
In spite of different results and suggestions brought about by different researchers, PDT can be considered as a promising and less invasive technique in dentistry.
Conclusion
PDT seems to be an effective tool in the treatment of localized and superficial infections. Within the limitations of the present review, it can be concluded that although PDT cannot replace antimicrobial therapy at its current stage, it may be used as an adjunctive tool for facilitating the treatment of oral infections.
Clinical relevance
Oral infections (such as mucosal and endodontic infections, periodontal diseases, caries, and peri-implantitis) are among the specific targets where PDT can be applied. Further long-term clinical studies are necessary in establishing a more specific place of the technique in the field of dentistry.