Frontiers in Microbiology · 5 authors, 2 centres
This summary was generated by AI from a single paper. It has not been reviewed by a clinician and is not clinical advice. Verify against the source before acting on it.
This narrative review summarizes the mechanisms of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) against oral biofilms and evaluates its role as an adjunctive treatment. It concludes that aPDT can enhance the efficacy of mechanical debridement but cannot replace it, with its effectiveness influenced by various parameters and the need for combination strategies.
This is a narrative review that synthesizes existing literature on antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) for eliminating oral biofilms. The review outlines the virulence factors of oral biofilms and the proposed antimicrobial mechanisms of aPDT, primarily involving the generation of reactive oxygen species. It discusses the application of aPDT across various oral infections like caries, periodontitis, and endodontic infections, often in combination with mechanical debridement. Central findings indicate that aPDT is an effective adjunctive therapy that can improve clinical outcomes when used alongside standard mechanical cleaning, but it cannot replace mechanical methods. The review highlights that aPDT's efficacy is influenced by multiple factors, including photosensitizer concentration, light dose, and the biofilm's microenvironment. Implications suggest that aPDT is a promising adjunctive tool, but further research is needed to optimize parameters, validate combination strategies, and establish safety profiles.
