STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

Research and Reviews : Journal of Surgery

An Evaluation of Photodynamic Therapy in Dentistry with a Focus on Surgical Applications

  1. Roopse Singh
  2. Riya Agarwal
  3. Mayur Kaushik
  4. Sameer Ahmed

Abstract

Throughout the centuries, various forms of light therapy have found applications in medical settings. These include phototherapy for neonatal jaundice, psoralen molecules combined with ultraviolet A light (PUVA) in dermatology, and techniques like photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photodetection. In recent years, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis, has necessitated the exploration of alternative treatment options. Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) has arisen as a potential alternative, particularly effective for localized infections in the skin and oral cavity, demonstrating efficacy against both antibiotic-resistant and antibiotic-susceptible bacteria. PDT, also known as photoradiation therapy, phototherapy, or photochemotherapy, involves the use of a photosensitive dye (photosensitizer) activated by light exposure with a specific wavelength in the presence of oxygen. This initiates a photodynamic reaction leading to the ablation of tumors and blood vessels. Essentially, PDT achieves the elimination of target cells through reactive oxygen species generated by a photosensitizing compound and light of a suitable wavelength. This technique utilizes light-activated drugs for treating a range of diseases, including cancer, age-related macular degeneration, and antibiotic-resistant infections. The integration of PDT into medical practices represents a promising avenue in addressing infections, particularly those resistant to conventional antibiotics, showcasing its potential as a versatile and effective therapeutic strategy in the evolving landscape of medical treatment

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