A recent study in the Journal of Periodontology reports that photodynamic therapy is advantageous for suppressing anaerobic bacteria that lead to periodontal diseases...

Researchers Are Studying Photodynamic Therapy As an Option to Treat Periodontal Diseases

Periodontal researchers found that photodynamic therapy (PDT) is advantageous for suppressing anaerobic bacteria that lead to periodontal diseases

CHICAGO – November 11, 2004 – As the scientific community is seeking alternatives to antibiotic treatment, periodontal researchers found that photodynamic therapy (PDT) is advantageous for suppressing anaerobic bacteria that lead to periodontal diseases according to a recent study in the Journal of Periodontology.

“Although this study is still in its early phase, with the recent number of reports about bacterial strains becoming resistant to frequent doses of antibiotics, PDT could be an alternative to conventional periodontal therapeutic methods,” said Dr. Michael P. Rethman, DDS, MS, and president of the American Academy of Periodontology. “Antibiotics may be used as an adjunctive therapy for periodontal diseases, so there is a pronounced interest in the development of alternative antimicrobial concepts.

PDT involves two stages. In the first stage, a light-sensitive drug is applied. The second stage involves shining a light or laser directly on the area treated with the drug. When the light is combined with the drug, phototoxic reactions are induced which destroy bacterial cells. PDT was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1999 to treat pre-cancerous skin lesions of the face or scalp.

In this study, researchers investigated anaerobic bacterial strains (bacteria that can only survive and grow in the absence of molecular oxygen) and facultative anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that can survive without oxygen).

“The photosensitizers we investigated were able to completely suppress the anaerobic key pathogens leading to periodontal diseases; however, facultative anaerobic bacteria tested responded to a lesser extent to PDT,” said Dr. Bernd W. Sigusch, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Conservative Dentistry, Germany.

To specifically address the periodontal pockets in the body, the test tube results are presently being verified in several animal and human experiments.

A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples including one titled Periodontal Therapy: Where Do I Start are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP's Web site at www.perio.org.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for periodontists—specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. They receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school, and periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAP has 8,000 members worldwide.

For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at meg@perio.org or 312/573-3242.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Representatives of the media may contact the AAP Public Affairs Department to receive a copy of the study "Killing Periodontopathogenic Bacteria by Photodynamic Therapy." Abstracts of Journal of Periodontology articles are available to the public online. Full-text of studies may be accessed by AAP members and Journal subscribers or purchased online for $20.

Find Out More

Media Center Links

Perio News


This Web site is accredited by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.