Feasibility of transgingival laser irradiation for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy

Diode lasers are commonly used for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). This study aimed to assess the feasibility of transgingival laser irradiation during aPDT and evaluate whether the photosensitizer can be activated.

Four diode laser settings were assessed for transgingival irradiation: 120 mW, 80 mW, 60 mW, and 40 mW. Fifteen soft-tissue pieces from a pig's lower jaw were prepared. The specimens' thickness was measured and transgingival laser irradiation was performed. A digital power meter measured laser power on the other side of the tissue. The power outcome after staining of the nonbuccal aspect of the tissue with photosensitizer dye was assessed similarly.

Transgingival laser irradiation (average soft-tissue thickness: 0.84 ± 0.06 mm) resulted in different power transmission depending on the power settings and photosensitizer. The lowest values were observed with the 40 mW setting and photosensitizer (median 3.3 mW, max. 5.0 mW, min. 2.3 mW, interquartile range 1.2), and the highest at 120 mW without photosensitizer (median 41.3 mW, max. 42.7 mW, min. 38.0 mW; interquartile range 1.5).

This study indicates that transgingival irradiation may be suitable for aPDT, since power transmission through the gingival tissue was observed in all specimens. However, the decrease in laser power caused by both the soft tissue and the photosensitizer has to be taken into account.