Reports from Saraswati Dental College and Hospital Add New Data to Research in Oral Health and Allied Sciences (Understanding the essentials of photodynamic therapy for dental practitioners: Shining a spotlight).

A recent study conducted at Saraswati Dental College and Hospital in Uttar Pradesh, India, explores the potential of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a non-invasive treatment for various oral infectious disorders. PDT involves the use of a photosensitizer (PS), light, and oxygen to selectively target unwanted cells or microorganisms while sparing healthy cells. The study highlights the effectiveness of certain PSs, such as porphyrin and phenothiazinium, in treating oral lesions and combating bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. The research suggests that PDT could be a promising alternative to conventional treatments for oral infections and may help address the global challenge of antibiotic resistance. Continued research and development are needed to further enhance the effectiveness and application of PDT in dental care. [Extracted from the article]