The importance of photodynamic therapy for decontamination of the root canal system: case reports

Kelly Raiane Ribeiro dos Santos, Thayse Pithon Quadros Ravazzi, Rogério Vieira Silva, Renato Piai Pereira

Introduction: Endodontic treatment allows for decontamination of the root canal system by means of chemomechanical preparation, intracanal dressing and filling. However, the literature shows that microorganisms may have developed ways of resisting the procedures of traditional method. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been incorporated in conventional endodontic treatment as an additional therapeutic measure for microbial control, besides being of easy and rapid application in single or multiple sessions. Objective: To clarify the use of PDT as well as its advantages by describing two case reports. Methods: Two cases were reported in which clinical examination, pulp sensitivity testing and radiographic examination pointed to diagnosis of pulp and periapical necrosis, suggesting chronic periapical abscess, including presence of extraoral fistula, and periapical granuloma, respectively. After diagnosis had been achieved, conventional endodontic therapy was recommended in association with PDT. Results: Radiographs taken after one year demonstrated areas of repair. Conclusion: The proposed and described treatment planning was shown to be effective, as it was possible to observe fistula healing, radiographic regression of periapical lesions and bone structure repair.

Keywords: Endodontics. Photochemotherapy. Root canal preparation.

How to cite: Santos KRR, Ravazzi TPQ, Silva RV, Pereira RP. The importance of photodynamic therapy for decontamination of the root canal system: case reports. Dental Press Endod. 2017 Sept-Dec;7(3):14-21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14436/2358-2545.7.3.014-021.oar

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