Current clinical applications of photo-activated disinfection in restorative dentistry.
The traditional treatment of dental caries has been limited to bulk removal of the diseased tissue. Recently, disinfection rather than the removal of all the carious tissue has been advocated with the aim of more effective and conservative treatment. In endodontics, prognosis is dependent on the complete disinfection of the root canal system. Evidence exists that Photo-Activated Disinfection is more effective than traditional chemo-mechanical canal preparation. Photo-Activated Disinfection may also have a place in the treatment of other infective oral conditions, including periodontal disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Removal or disruption of micro-organisms and their ecosystem is important in many branches of restorative dentistry. A novel disinfection system is now available which has the potential to improve treatment methods and prognoses.
Bonsor
Stephen J
SJ
DPDS ILTM, GDP, The Dental Practice, 21 Rubislaw Terrace, Aberdeen.
Pearson
Gavin J
GJ
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003788:Dental Pulp Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000528:radiation effects*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants