Efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in the management of chronic periodontitis: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Aim To evaluate the potential of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Material and Methods In a single-centred randomized and controlled clinical trial, 90 patients (51 females and 39 males) with untreated chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned to receive SRP with aPDT (test group) or SRP alone (control group). Clinical parameters and halitosis were recorded for 6months after treatment by a periodontist who was blinded to the procedure. Results Inter-group and intra-group statistical analyses were performed. Significant difference between the two groups with respect to each variable was assessed using non-parametric Rank Order ancova. Probing pocket depth and clinical attachment levels showed statistically significant reduction in the test group on evaluation at 3months and 6months as compared to the control group (p<0.05). A statistically significant improvement in gingival index and gingival bleeding index was seen for the test group after 2weeks and 1month of aPDT (p<0.01), whereas the improvement in gingival index and gingival bleeding index at 3months and in plaque index at 2weeks after aPDT was less (p<0.05). Also, a significant difference was detected for the test group at 1month in terms of halitosis (p<0.05), which did not persist for long. Conclusions Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy acts as a beneficial adjunct to SRP in non-surgical treatment and management of chronic periodontitis in short-term. Further studies are required to assess the long-term effectiveness of aPDT.