Assistant Professor California Northstate University Lincoln, New York, United States
A critical factor in the success of endodontic therapy is the effective elimination of pathogenic microflora from the root canal system. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a promising adjunct to conventional disinfection methods by combining laser technology with a photosensitizer. When introduced into the root canal, the photosensitizer, activated by low-power laser irradiation, generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that disrupt bacterial DNA and cell membranes. This presentation will review clinical studies from theJournal of Endodontics, including“Antimicrobial Effects of Photodynamic Therapy on Patients with Necrotic Pulps and Periapical Lesions” and “Photodynamic Therapy for Endodontic Disinfection.” It will detail the step-by-step methodology of PDT, supported by illustrative diagrams, and evaluate its efficacy. Additionally, the presentation will explore new technologies and advancements in photosensitizers used in PDT. Further discussion will address how PDT can be incorporated into clinical practice to improve the elimination of pathogenic microflora during root canal disinfection.