Better than antibiotics for periodontal bacteria.

• Position: Photodynamic Therapy - Brief article

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be an effective way to treat the bacteria associated with periodontal diseases, and very well could provide a better option than antibiotics or other mechanical methods, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, Chicago. Researchers found that using PDT is an effective method to minimize destruction of periodontal tissue which can accompany treatment for periodontal diseases. PDT produces minimal damage to periodontal tissues, in comparison to other better-known techniques, including scaling, root planing, and antibiotic therapy.

"We found that PDT is significantly less invasive than other treatments," says study author Valdir Gouveia. "It can provide improved dentin hypersensitivity, reduced inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth, and allows tissue to repair faster."

PDT may be an alternative to antibiotic treatment; it is becoming more important as antibiotic resistance increases. PDT involves two stages. First, a...