A randomized controlled clinical trial on efficacy of photodynamic therapy as an adjunct to nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis

Background and Objectives: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of dental lasers for treatment of periodontal diseases. Recent preclinical and clinical data have suggested a potential benefit of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of periodontitis. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of PDT as an adjunct to nonsurgical mechanical therapy (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: In a single-centered randomized and controlled clinical trial, 24 patients with untreated chronic periodontitis were assigned in a split-mouth design into two treatment groups which included: Group I: SRP only (control group), Group II: SRP and PDT (1% methylene blue solution) (test group). Clinical parameters such as plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), modified sulcular bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months after therapy. Results: Inter-group and intra-group statistical analyses were performed. The improvement in clinical parameters was significantly greater in Group II as compared to Group I. The mean PD (mm) reduction from baseline to 6 months in Group I was 2.50 ± 0.54, Group II was 2.57 ± 0.53. The mean CAL (mm) gain from baseline to 6 month in Group I was 2.63 ± 0.47, Group II was 2.55 ± 0.44. A statistically significant decrease in PI, GI, mSBI scores was seen in Group II at the end of 6 month (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The present study suggests that an additional application of single episode of PDT could be beneficial adjunct to nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis in terms of clinical parameters as compared to scaling and root planing. Direct subgingival delivery of methylene blue in different concentrations should be performed to further investigate the potential antimicrobial effect of soft lasers in the human periodontal disease.