ABSTRACT
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is presented as a promising antimicrobial therapy that
can eliminate microorganisms present in endodontic infections. This treatment is based
on the use of a nontoxic photosensitizing agent followed by irradiation of a resonant
light source being capable of generating highly reactive species that are harmful
to microorganisms. The purpose of this paper is to review the dental literature about
the main factors that encompass the use of PDT combined with endodontic treatment
for decontamination of the root canal system. A literature search was performed using
the following index databases: PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge and MedLine, between 2000
and 2014, looking for studies regarding antimicrobial action of PDT and its application
to endodontic therapy. It was observed that despite numerous promising results, it
is still necessary to establish different parameters so that PDT can be used with
maximum effectiveness in eliminating microorganisms that cause endodontic infections.
Key words:
Endodontics - photodynamic therapy - root canal
