Riboflavin-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy in Periodontology: A Systematic Review of Applications and Outcomes.

Abstract

Background: Riboflavin (vitamin B₂) has emerged as a promising photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy (PDT) due to its strong absorption of blue light and favourable safety profile. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of riboflavin-mediated PDT in periodontology, specifically examining its antimicrobial effects and potential to improve clinical outcomes compared to conventional or other PDT-based treatments. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Studies published in English within the last 10 years were considered, where riboflavin served as the primary photosensitizer for dental treatments. Data extraction focused on study design, photosensitizer concentration, light source parameters, and clinical or microbiological outcomes. The risk of bias was assessed independently by two reviewers using a predefined scoring system. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, all demonstrating a low risk of bias. Riboflavin-mediated PDT consistently reduced microbial biofilms and pathogen viability in periodontitis, peri-implantitis, and endodontic models. Although some studies reported slightly lower efficacy compared to chlorhexidine or toluidine blue-based PDT, riboflavin-mediated PDT exhibited advantages such as minimal staining, low cytotoxicity, and enhanced collagen crosslinking. However, most studies were in vitro or small-scale clinical trials, limiting conclusions on long-term effectiveness. Conclusions: Riboflavin-mediated PDT shows promise as a safe adjunctive therapy for periodontal infections. Larger, well-designed clinical trials with standardized parameters and extended follow-up are needed to further evaluate its efficacy and optimize treatment protocols for routine clinical application.