Resumo

LACERDA, Mariane Floriano Lopes Santos; ALFENAS, Cristiane Ferreira  e  CAMPOS, Celso Neiva. Photodynamic therapy associated with endodontic treatment - a review. RFO UPF [online]. 2014, vol.19, n.1, pp. 115-120. ISSN 1413-4012.

Objective: The present study aims, through a literature review, to point out some parameters for photodynamic therapy (PDT) application in endodontics, since there are many parameters with a high degree of variation among different studies already conducted. Literature review: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been proposed as an adjuvant therapy to endodontic treatment in order to eliminate microorganisms present in the root canal system, which are resistant to chemical and mechanical preparation. PDT or photoactivated disinfection consists in the association of the triad: photosensitizing agent, specific wavelength light, and oxygen, creating reactive species able to penetrate into pathogenic microflora cells, and so destroying them. The application of this promising technology presents several variables, such as dye of use, light type or irradiation period. Final considerations: The results from the studies presented in this review indicate that PDT has effectively contributed to improve root canal system decontamination and, consequently to increase endodontic therapy success rate.

Palavras-chave : Photodynamic therapy.; Lasers.; Endodontics..