An Advanced Study on the Utility of Photodynamic Therapy in Dentistry

Abstract

The 21st century has brought forth many significant advances in science and technology within the field of dentistry, in addition to a wide range of novel treatment modalities that are available for dentists to use. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging, non-invasive treatment method, involving photosensitizers, light of a specific wavelength and the generation of singlet oxygen and reactive oxygen species (ROS) to eliminate unwanted eukaryotic cells (e.g., malignancies in the oral cavity) or pathogenic microorganisms. In the present chapter, we aimed to summarize the history and the understanding of PDT, general concepts and the wide-ranging uses of PDT in many fields of dentistry (oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral medicine, endodontics, preventive dentistry, periodontology and implantology), highlighting advantages, drawbacks and future perspectives regarding this method.