Poor oral hygiene: Improper tooth brushing and insufficient removal of plaque and tartar can lead to gum diseases.
Bacterial infections: The accumulation of bacteria in plaque and tartar can cause gum inflammation, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
Genetic predisposition: Hereditary factors can affect gum health and increase susceptibility to certain periodontal diseases.
Tobacco use: Smoking is a risk factor for gum disease. It can cause inflammation of the oral mucosa and reduce blood flow to gum tissues.
Systemic diseases: Conditions such as diabetes, immunodeficiency, and others can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease.
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, adolescence, and menopause can affect gum health and contribute to disease development.
Mechanical trauma: Gum injuries caused by trauma, improper use of toothbrushes, dental floss, or other oral care tools can also have a negative impact.
Bad habits: Uncontrolled teeth grinding (bruxism), nail or pen biting, and other habits can cause mechanical trauma to the gums and lead to problems.
Photosensitizers are substances that become active when exposed to a specific type of light, triggering chemical reactions or physiological changes in the body.
Photosensitizers are a key component of the procedure. They are applied to the gum tissues and interact with laser or LED light during the treatment. When exposed to light, photosensitizers become active and can destroy bacteria, inflamed tissues, or abnormal cells. The choice of photosensitizer depends on the specific disease or condition being treated and is determined by the dentist based on diagnosis and professional recommendations.
Gum photodynamic therapy is a relatively new technique in dentistry, and its application may vary depending on local medical standards and available resources. It is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional to obtain detailed information about the procedure, its potential benefits, and risks for your specific case.
The advantages of gum photodynamic therapy include minimal invasiveness, no need for anesthesia, rapid recovery, and relatively few side effects. Like any medical procedure, there are limitations and potential risks. Patients are advised to discuss all symptoms, medical history, and potential risks and benefits with their dentist before undergoing photodynamic therapy.
Patient preparation: The first stage of gum photodynamic therapy is preparatory. It may include a preliminary assessment of gum health, as well as discussion of the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.
Application of the photosensitive agent: A photosensitizer is applied to the gums and left for a specific period to penetrate the tissues and selectively accumulate in affected cells.
Light activation: Once the photosensitizer has sufficiently accumulated in the gum tissues, it is activated using a laser that emits light at a wavelength corresponding to the photosensitizer’s response.
Photoactivation of the photosensitive agent: Under the light, the photosensitizer becomes active and initiates reactions such as the generation of free radicals and tissue oxidation. This process destroys diseased cells, including bacteria and inflamed tissues.
Quality control: During the therapy, quality control may be performed to ensure proper activation of the photosensitizer and achievement of the desired treatment effect.
Follow-up treatment, observation, and care: After the procedure, the patient may receive post-treatment monitoring and recommendations for oral and gum care.
High effectiveness: Light-activated photosensitizers can destroy bacteria, inflamed cells, and other diseased cells, reducing inflammation, improving gum health, and slowing disease progression.
Minimal invasiveness: The photosensitizer is applied to the gum surface and activated with light, requiring no surgery or instruments. This reduces the risk of complications, decreases pain, and shortens recovery time.
Minimal risk of antibiotic resistance: Unlike uncontrolled antibiotic use, gum PDT does not contribute to antibiotic resistance. It acts locally and for a limited time, preserving long-term antibiotic effectiveness.
Rapid recovery: Gum PDT usually requires little to no recovery time. Patients can quickly return to their daily activities without significant dietary or lifestyle restrictions.
Good tolerability: Gum PDT is generally well tolerated with a low incidence of side effects. Any temporary light sensitivity is typically mild and short-lived.
Possibility of combined treatment: PDT can be used alongside other periodontal therapies.
Gum photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be recommended in the following cases:
Periodontitis: PDT can be used to treat periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the gums, tooth roots, and surrounding tissues. PDT helps combat bacteria and reduce inflammation, promoting gum healing and improving periodontal health.
Gingivitis: PDT can be applied to treat gingivitis, gum inflammation caused by plaque buildup. It helps eliminate bacteria, reduce inflammation, and improve gum health.
Peri-implantitis: PDT can also be used to treat peri-implantitis, an inflammatory disease affecting the tissues around dental implants. PDT helps combat bacteria on and around the implant, reduces inflammation, and promotes tissue healing.
Gum surgical procedures: PDT can be applied as an additional preventive measure after gum surgeries, such as gingival grafts, tumor removal, gum contour corrections, and other procedures, to reduce the risk of inflammation and accelerate healing.
Post-prosthetic stomatitis: PDT can be used to treat post-prosthetic stomatitis, inflammation of the mucosa under removable dentures. It helps reduce bacteria and inflammation and improves the condition of tissues under the prosthesis.
Photodynamic therapy takes 40 to 60 minutes and is performed in 2 sessions with a 7-day interval. Afterward, the procedure can be repeated every 3–6 months as recommended by the dentist.
The photodynamic therapy procedure is painless and comfortable for the patient. The substances used are hypoallergenic and have no side effects.
Photodynamic therapy is approved for children and adolescents from 7 years of age, especially for gingivitis or during the use of dental plates or braces. This method helps avoid antibiotics, ensures sterility in the inflamed area, and effectively restores healthy oral tissues.
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