Effect of Photodynamic Therapy as an Adjunct to Non-Surgical Treatment of Periodontitis

NCT07070453 | Recruiting

• 2 other identifiers: aPDT FPSCiiEM Investiga
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 20
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 2

Brief Summary

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative technique that utilizes light-activated agents, known as photosensitizers, to produce reactive oxygen species capable of targeting and eliminating pathogens. This therapeutic approach has been explored in a variety of medical fields due to its versatility and minimal invasiveness. In the context of periodontal diseases, PDT has emerged as a promising adjunctive treatment in the non-surgical management of periodontitis. Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease caused by the accumulation of pathogenic bacteria in the subgingival environment, is often treated with mechanical debridement, including scaling and root planing (SRP). However, these conventional methods may not always achieve complete bacterial eradication. PDT, when used in conjunction with SRP, has the potential to significantly enhance bacterial elimination. The use of photosensitizers, activated by specific wavelengths of light, leads to the generation of singlet oxygen, which can effectively kill a broad spectrum of periodontal pathogens, including those resistant to antibiotics. As an adjunctive therapy, PDT can improve the clinical outcomes of non-surgical periodontitis treatment by reducing bacterial load, promoting tissue healing, and potentially decreasing the need for more invasive procedures. The ability of PDT to target bacteria without harming surrounding tissues makes it an attractive option for patients who require a non-invasive treatment approach. In conclusion, photodynamic therapy is a valuable addition to periodontal treatment regimens, offering enhanced bacterial reduction and improved therapeutic outcomes in the management of periodontitis.

Conditions

Periodontitis

Keywords

periodontitis; antimicrobial photodinamic therapy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Microbiology outcome

  Changes in the microbiome collected from periodontal pockets sequencing 16S ribosomal RNA gene

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 3 months.

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Clinical outcome

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 3 months.

Study Arms (2)

Non-surgical periodontal treatment

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Conventional non-surgical treatment - scaling and root planing

Procedure: Non-surgical periodontal treatment

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy

EXPERIMENTAL

Scaling and root planing + aPDT (antimicrobial photodynamic therapy)

Procedure: Scaling and root planing + aPDT

Interventions

Non-surgical periodontal treatment PROCEDURE

Removal of deposits above and below the gum line using hand or ultrasonic tools and thorough smoothing of root surfaces to discourage re-accumulation of bacteria.

Non-surgical periodontal treatment

Scaling and root planing + aPDT PROCEDURE

Non-invasive treatment that uses a combination of a light-sensitive compound (photosensitizer), specific light, and oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that kill bacteria.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Patients aged 18 years or older with periodontitis diagnosed according to EFP/APA 2018 criteria and with at least 10 teeth in the mouth.

You may not qualify if:

• Periodontal treatment in the previous six months; use of antibiotics, NSAIDs or immunosuppressants in the previous six months; acute oral infection; pregnant or breastfeeding women; teeth with grade III mobility; pockets with PD \> 10 mm; use of antimicrobial mouthwash in the previous two months; patients with diabetes mellitus.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Egas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL: lead

Study Sites (2)

Egas Moniz School of Health and Science

Almada, Monte Da Caparica, 2825-084, Portugal

RECRUITING

Egas Moniz School of Health and Science

Almada, Monte Da Caparica, 2829-511, Portugal

ACTIVE NOT RECRUITING

Related Links

• LED site

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Periodontitis

Interventions

Tooth Exfoliation; Root Planing

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Periodontal Diseases; Mouth Diseases; Stomatognathic Diseases

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Dental Physiological Phenomena; Digestive System and Oral Physiological Phenomena; Dental Scaling; Dental Prophylaxis; Periodontics; Dentistry; Subgingival Curettage; Preventive Dentistry

Study Officials

• Ricardo Dr. Alves, phd

  Egas Moniz School of Science and Health

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Filipa Sousa, Master

CONTACT

00351 915028912; filipampsousa@gmail.com

Inês Dra. Gomes, phd

CONTACT

00351 212 946 748; inesgomes.ciiem@egasmoniz.edu.pt

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, INVESTIGATOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 24, 2025
• First Posted: July 17, 2025
• Study Start: April 8, 2025
• Primary Completion: September 30, 2025
• Study Completion: November 30, 2025
• Last Updated: July 17, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PT (2)