Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy in Endodontics: Current Evidence and Future Directions : Review Article | ||
| Journal of Laser Science and Applications | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 27 October 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Review Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/jlsa.2025.380534.1039 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Nardeen Adel Kamal1; Nada Khaled Ali1; Osama Fekry Al Balah* 2 | ||
| 1MOH | ||
| 2Medical Applications of Laser dept, National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences, Cairo University | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Abstract This review article explores and critically analyzes the current evidence surrounding the use of advanced disinfection methods in endodontic therapy, with a specific focus on Er:YAG laser-activated irrigation (LAI), photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS), and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). These techniques have been increasingly investigated for their potential to improve outcomes in root canal treatment by enhancing the elimination of bacteria, smear layer, and residual debris within the complex root canal system. A systematic search was conducted using multiple databases including PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Library, resulting in the inclusion of 59 relevant studies. The findings collectively indicate that these laser-based and light-activated techniques offer promising results, particularly in terms of improving disinfection efficiency beyond that achieved with conventional methods. However, noticeable variability in experimental designs, laser parameters, photosensitizer types, and evaluation methods across the studies presents challenges in drawing definitive clinical conclusions. Moreover, while in vitro studies demonstrate encouraging outcomes, further in vivo investigations are essential to validate these findings in real clinical settings and to determine optimal treatment protocols. This review highlights the need for standardized methodologies and long-term clinical trials to fully establish the role of LAI, PIPS, and aPDT in modern endodontic practice. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Dental laser technology; Photoacoustic streaming; Root canal decontamination; Bacterial biofilm disruption; Optical disinfection methods | ||
|
Statistics Article View: 8 |
||
