Analysis of clinical and microbiological results of photodynamic therapy as support in non-surgical treatment of periodontitis – preliminary study

Introduction. Photodynamic therapy is supportive method of non-surgical treatment of periodontitis. The aim of the study was the assessment of photodynamic therapy impact on periodontal disease clinical parameters with a particular emphasis on microbiological aspects during periodontal treatment. Material and methods. The research was conducted on seven healthy patients aged 26- 55 years. All the patients were treated with a non-surgical (SRP) periodontal treatment. Then, the assisted photodynamic therapy was applied in selected pockets. Samples of the material obtained from periodontal pockets before and after the treatment were cultured in a microbiological laboratory. Results. After the introduced therapy the clinical improvement of periodontal disease was observed in the majority (6/7) of patients taking part in the study. There obtained the elimination of inflammation to 85.7% of the patients. Periodontal pocket depths have deteriorated from 0.5 to 3.0 mm in comparison to the pre-treatment values. The overall number of bacteria compared to the pre-treatment value was reduced. In addition, there was noticed a decrease in the number of periopathogens. Control samples showed a vivid dominance of the physiological flora. Conclusions. The non-surgical treatment of periodontitis in combination with the supportive action of photodynamic therapy has promising therapeutic effects by reducing the inflammation and decreasing the depth of periodontal pockets. The change in the ratio of periopathogens to physiological flora may indicate the restoration and maintenance of the state balance in periodontal pockets for patients with periodontitis.