Photodynamic therapy. A periodontal procedure for gum treatment.

Photodynamic gum therapy is a method for treating gum diseases using a combination of a special photosensitive substance and a light source. It is a minimally invasive procedure widely used in dentistry to treat various conditions such as periodontitis, gingivitis, and other gum diseases caused by bacterial infections.

Gum diseases can be caused by various factors, including:

insufficient oral hygiene: improper tooth brushing and inadequate removal of dental plaque and tartar can lead to the development of gum diseases.
bacterial infections: the accumulation of bacteria in dental plaque and tartar can cause inflammation of the gums, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
genetic predisposition: hereditary factors can affect the condition of the gums and predispose to certain periodontal diseases.
tobacco smoking: smoking is one of the risk factors for the development of diseases. it can cause inflammation of the oral mucosa and impair blood supply to the gum tissues.

systemic diseases: such as diabetes, immunodeficiency conditions, and others can increase the risk of developing periodontal diseases.
hormonal changes: such as pregnancy, adolescence, and menopause can affect the condition of the periodontium and cause the development of diseases.
mechanical trauma: damage to the gums caused by injury, improper use of a toothbrush, dental floss, or other oral care tools can also have a harmful effect.
bad habits: uncontrolled teeth grinding (bruxism), nail or pen biting, as well as other bad habits can cause mechanical trauma to the gums and lead to problems.

it is important to maintain good oral hygiene, visit your dentist regularly, and treat diseases in a timely manner.

photodynamic therapy is one of the effective methods of modern dentistry, successfully used in the treatment of periodontitis and gum diseases. photodynamic therapy provides an effective antimicrobial effect and is used as part of comprehensive periodontal treatment.

in the sa-nata clinic network, photodynamic therapy is performed using a biolase laser and special photosensitizing agents, which are introduced into the periodontal pocket. they accumulate in the inflammation areas and stain them in a bright shade. under the influence of laser radiation, these substances are activated, resulting in the formation of oxygen and free radicals that destroy bacteria. after the procedure, the bright dye of the photosensitizers is easily washed off the teeth.

photosensitizers are substances that, when interacting with a certain type of light, become active and can cause chemical reactions or physiological changes in the body.

photosensitizers are key components of the procedure. they are applied to the gum tissues and interact with laser or led light during the procedure. under the influence of light, photosensitizers become active and can lead to the destruction of bacteria, inflamed tissues, or tumor cells. the choice of photosensitizer also depends on the specific disease or condition being treated and can be determined by the doctor based on the diagnosis and certain recommendations.

photodynamic gum therapy is a relatively new technique in dentistry, and its use may vary depending on local medical standards and available resources. it is important to consult a qualified medical specialist to obtain detailed information about the procedure and its potential benefits and risks in your particular case.

the advantages of photodynamic gum therapy include minimal invasiveness, no need for anesthesia, fast recovery, and a relatively small number of side effects. further in this article, we will describe the main benefits of the procedure in more detail. as with any medical intervention, there are also limitations and possible risks. patients are advised to discuss all their symptoms, medical history, and potential risks and benefits with a dentist before undergoing photodynamic therapy.

The stages of photodynamic gum therapy may include the following:

Patient preparation: the first stage of photodynamic gum therapy is preparatory. it may include a preliminary assessment of the condition of the gums, as well as a discussion of the possible risks and benefits of the procedure.
application of the photosensitive agent: a photosensitive agent (photosensitizer) is applied to the gums and left for a certain period of time so that it can penetrate the tissues and selectively accumulate in the diseased cells.
light activation: after the photosensitive agent has sufficiently accumulated in the gum tissues, the next stage is light activation. activation is carried out using a laser that emits light of a specific wavelength corresponding to the response wavelength of the photosensitizer.

photoactivation of the photosensitive agent: under the influence of light, the photosensitizer is activated and begins to produce reactions such as the generation of free radicals and tissue oxidation. this process leads to the destruction of diseased cells, including bacteria and inflammatory cells.
quality control: during photodynamic gum therapy, quality control may be carried out to ensure the correct activation of the photosensitive agent and the achievement of the desired therapeutic effect.
follow-up treatment, observation, and care: after completing photodynamic gum therapy, the patient may undergo post-treatment observation and receive recommendations for oral and gum care.

Photodynamic therapy (pdt) of the gums has a number of advantages:

High efficiency: photodynamic activation of the photosensitive agent can help destroy bacteria, inflammatory cells, and other diseased cells, which helps reduce inflammation, improve gum condition, and slow disease progression.
minimal invasiveness: the photosensitive agent is applied to the surface of the gums and activated by light, which does not require surgical intervention or the use of instruments. this can reduce the risk of complications, decrease pain during the procedure, and shorten recovery time.
minimal risk of antibiotic resistance: unlike the uncontrolled use of antibiotics, pdt of the gums does not cause the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. pdt acts locally and is time-limited, which can reduce the likelihood of resistance and help preserve the long-term effectiveness of antibiotics.

quick recovery: after gum pdt, a long recovery period is usually not required. patients can quickly return to their daily activities without significant dietary or lifestyle restrictions.
good tolerance: gum pdt is generally well tolerated by patients and has a low level of side effects. possible side effects, such as temporary light sensitivity, are usually short-term and mild.
possibility of combined treatment: can be used in combination with other periodontal treatment methods.

Indications for use

photodynamic therapy (pdt) of the gums may be recommended in the following cases:

periodontitis: pdt can be used to treat periodontitis — a chronic inflammatory disease of the periodontium that includes the gums, tooth roots, and surrounding tissues. pdt can help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation, which promotes gum healing and improves periodontal health.

gingivitis: pdt can be used to treat gingivitis — inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup. pdt can help eliminate bacteria, reduce inflammation, and improve gum health.

peri-implantitis: pdt can also be used to treat peri-implantitis — an inflammatory disease of the tissues surrounding dental implants. pdt can help eliminate bacteria on and around the implant surface, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing.
gum surgery: pdt can be applied as an additional preventive measure after surgical procedures on the gums, such as gum grafting, tumor removal, gum contour correction, and other procedures to reduce the risk of inflammation and accelerate wound healing.
post-prosthetic stomatitis: pdt can be used to treat post-prosthetic stomatitis — inflammation of the oral mucosa under removable dentures. pdt can help reduce bacteria and inflammation, as well as improve the condition of the tissues beneath the dentures.

the indications for performing gum pdt are determined by a periodontist based on clinical examination and evaluation of the patient’s condition.

Features of the procedure

• • photodynamic therapy takes from 40 to 60 minutes and is performed in 2 sessions with a 7-day interval. after that, the procedure can be repeated once every 3–6 months as recommended by the doctor.

  • the photodynamic therapy procedure is painless and comfortable for the patient. the medications used are hypoallergenic and have no side effects.

  • photodynamic therapy is allowed for children and adolescents from the age of 7, especially in cases of gingivitis or during the period of wearing plates or braces. the use of this method helps avoid taking antibiotics, ensures sterility at the site of inflammation, and promotes effective restoration of healthy oral tissues.

    In the hands of the “sa-nata” specialists, you can be confident that any of your problems or questions will be resolved as efficiently, competently, and professionally as possible. trust your health only to proven, experienced, and knowledgeable doctors.