Exploring different photodynamic therapy parameters to optimize elimination of Enterococcus faecalis in planktonic form

Effective elimination of microorganisms in infected root canals represents a constant challenge in clinical practice [1 –3]. In chronic endodontic infections the microorganisms are organized in an extracellular polysaccharide matrix forming bacterial biofilms [1,2]. Unlike planktonic forms, in this structuring the elimination of the infectious process requires high doses of drugs or the microorganisms become refrac tory to conventional treatment protocols [2,3]. Despite technological advances in chemomechanical preparation including new instruments and irrigation devices persistent microorganisms in both biofilm and planktonic form are often recovered in root canals after this initial disinfection [4,5].

Source: Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy - March 29, 2018 Category: Laser Surgery Authors: Janir Alves Soares, Suelleng Maria Cunha Santos Soares, Rudys Rodolfo de Jesus Tavarez, Claudia de Castro Rizzi, Silvana Cristina Gama Vaz Rodrigues, Etevaldo Matos Maia Filho, Manoel Brito-J únior, Rodrigo Dantas Pereira, Paula Prazeres Magalhães, Luiz Source Type: research