Photo Activated Disinfection Therapy For Dental Surgery

The oral cavity harbors more than 700 prokaryote species; most of these species are normal flora of the healthy oral cavity. Some of these microorganisms are responsible for oral pathologies. During a surgical intervention, disinfection of the oral cavity is attempted by using different chemical solutions such as chlorhexidine and iodine. This is done to prevent, or at least reduce the risk of wound infections or bacteremia following the surgical intervention. In the case of periodontal and endodontic treatments, mechanical cleaning of the affected surfaces are believed to be the gold standard. Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy or light-activated disinfection is a technology based on the production of free oxygen radicals capable of affecting the membranes of microorganisms. The technique is composed of a photosensitizer substance that can be activated with a suitable wave length and light source. The photosensitizer, usually toluidine blue, is activated with a light source. After its activation, it produces energy capable of transforming the surrounding oxygen into free radicals. The free radical then attacks the exposed microorganisms. The objective of the current review is to evaluate the efficacy of photoactive disinfection in the context of dental surgery as a pre-surgical disinfection method or as an adjunct for the surgical periodontal treatment.