title: Photodynamic therapy: An adjunct to conventional root canal disinfection strategies.
abstract: Although chemical-based root canal disinfectants are important to reduce microbial loads and remove infected smear layer from root dentin, they have only a limited ability to eliminate biofilm bacteria, especially from root complexities. This paper explores the novel photodynamic therapy (PDT) for antimicrobial disinfection of root canals. The combination of an effective photosensitizer, the appropriate wavelength of light and ambient oxygen is the key factor in PDT. PDT uses a specific wavelength of light to activate a non-toxic dye (photosensitizer), leading to the formation of reactive oxygen species. These reactive oxygen molecules can damage bacterial proteins, membrane lipids and nucleic acids, which promote bacterial cell death. In, addition PDT may enhance cross-linking of collagen fibrils in the dentin matrix and thereby improving dentin stability. The concept of PDT is plausible and could foster new therapy concepts for endodontics. The available knowledge should enable and encourage steps forward into more clinical-oriented research and development. This article discusses PDT as related to root canal disinfection, including its components, mechanism of action, reviews the current endodontic literature and also highlights the shortcomings and advancements in PDT techniques.
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Kothiwal Dental College and Research Centre, Moradabad, India.
authors.forename: Shipra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Kothiwal Dental College and Research Centre, Moradabad, India.
authors.forename: Rajni
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nagpal
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Kothiwal Dental College and Research Centre, Moradabad, India.
authors.forename: Naveen
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Manuja
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Kothiwal Dental College and Research Centre, Moradabad, India.
authors.forename: Sashi Prabha
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Tyagi
mesh_terms: D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity; D004203:Disinfection; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012390:Root Canal Therapy
chemical_list: D017319:Photosensitizing Agents
keywords: nanoparticles; photodynamic therapy; reactive oxygen species; root canal disinfection