Effect of surgical periodontal treatment associated to antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on chronic periodontitis: A randomized controlled clinical trial

AimThis randomized controlled clinical trial evaluated the effects of an adjunctive single application of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in Surgical Periodontal Treatment (ST) in patients with severe chronic periodontitis (SCP). Material and MethodsIn a split-mouth design, 20 patients with SCP were treated with aPDT+ST (Test Group, TG) or ST only (Control Group, CG). aPDT was applied in a single episode, using a diode laser and a phenothiazine photosensitizer. All patients were monitored until 90days after surgical therapy. Levels of 40 subgingival species were measured by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization at baseline, 60 and 150days. Clinical and microbiological parameters were evaluated. ResultsIn deep periodontal pockets depth (PPD 5mm), Test Group presented a significantly higher decrease in PPD than Control Group at 90days after surgical therapy (p<.05). Test Group also demonstrated significantly less periodontal pathogens of red complex (Treponema denticola) (p<.05). ConclusionA single episode of aPDT used in adjunct to open flap debridement of the root surface in the surgical treatment of SCP: i) significantly improved clinical periodontal parameters; ii) eliminates periodontal pathogens of the red complex more effectively (NCT02734784).