Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in treatment of aggressive periodontitis (stage III, grade C periodontitis): A comparison between photodynamic therapy and antibiotic therapy as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment

Treatment of aggressive periodontitis (stage III, grade C periodontitis) represents a big challenge. The aim of the study was to compare the long-term results of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and antibiotic therapy as an adjunct to conventional non-surgical therapy in patients with aggressive periodontitis.Twenty subjects with untreated aggressive periodontitis (stage III, grade C periodontitis) were divided into two groups: the test group (TG) received non-surgical therapy and two sessions of aPDT using a laser (HELBO TheraLite laser) with a wavelength of 670nm associated with HELBO Blue photosensitizer, and the control group (CG) received non-surgical therapy and antibiotics (amoxicillin 500mg and metronidazole 400mg, 7 days). Clinical parameters of probing depth, clinical attachment level and bleeding on probing (BOP) were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after treatment.The mean probing pocket depths at baseline were 3.68mm in TG and 3.51mm in CG. These values decreased to 2.77mm (p0.05) and 2.54mm (p0.05) 3 months after treatment and stayed decreased after 12 months. Clinical attachment levels at baseline were 3.88mm in TG and 3.70mm in CG. These values decreased to 3.06mm (p0.05) and 2.80mm (p0.05) after 3 months and stayed decreased after 12 months. We also found a decrease in BOP after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months in TG and in CG.aPDT and antibiotics as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment lead to a comparable improvement in periodontal parameters long-term.