Intracanal Microbiological Contamination Reduction Using Low-intensity Laser Associated with a Photosensitizer - In...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Photodynamic Therapy

Background:

• Dental infections in animals require effective disinfection methods.
• Standard root canal preparation has limitations in complete microbial elimination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using azulene and low-intensity laser in canine endodontic treatment.
• To compare PDT with standard chemical-surgical preparation for intracanal disinfection.

Main Methods:

• Twenty dogs with single-rooted teeth underwent endodontic treatment.
• Two groups were formed: standard preparation followed by PDT, and PDT followed by standard preparation.
• Photodynamic therapy utilized azulene as a photosensitizer and a low-intensity laser.

Main Results:

• Intracanal PDT demonstrated efficiency in reducing bacterial and Enterococcus loads.
• PDT also reduced yeast contamination within the root canals.
• PDT showed comparable efficacy to standard chemical-surgical preparation.
• The order of applying PDT and standard preparation did not affect disinfection outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Photodynamic therapy with azulene and low-intensity laser is an effective intracanal disinfection method.
• PDT is a feasible alternative for veterinary dentistry, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
• The application sequence of PDT does not influence its effectiveness in disinfection.