title: Photodynamic therapy for chronic periodontitis.
abstract: METHODS
  Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register, CENTRAL, UK National Research Register, ISI Proceedings, hand search of relevant journals for 2000-2008. References from selected articles and contact with authors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomised controlled trials in any language comparing scaling and root planing (SRP) alone and SRP with PDT in patients with chronic periodontitis, with a mean follow up of at least 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the change in clinical attachment loss (CAL). Secondary outcomes were changes in probing depth (PD) and gingival recession (GR).
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were extracted by a single reviewer using a standard extraction form. Quality was assessed using both the Jadad scale and the allocation concealment component of the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using the random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the chi-squared-based Q statistic method and Higgins' I(2) test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four trials with 101 participants were included. The risk of bias of these trials was considered to be moderate. The mean difference in CAL at 12 weeks was 0.29 mm (95% CI 0.08-0.50, p=0.007). Heterogeneity was high using both the Chi(2) and I(2) tests.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The review suggests there may be a minor improvement in clinical attachment loss at 12 weeks. It is unclear whether this is a clinically meaningful improvement.
authors: Section of Periodontics, Faculty of Odontology, University Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Herrera