A Multicenter, Randomized, Examiner Blinded Study of Photoactivated Disinfection With Scaling and Root Planing in the Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis

Extensive research has shown that lethal photosensitization with low levels of laser light is an effective method of killing numerous types of organisms. This therapy avoids the use of antibiotics along with their potential side effects. The initial application of this therapy to the oral cavity is particularly appropriate since the therapy can be applied topically either in a specific or general fashion, killing is immediate and resistance is unlikely as it is free radical-mediated. In addition, the disease states being treated (gingivitis \& periodontitis) are highly prevalent and associated with significant morbidity. The equipment and costs of this therapy are simple, easily applied and relatively inexpensive compared with current therapies. Based on the scientific data to date this therapy has the potential of significantly improving the oral health of those affected. This is a pivotal, prospective, randomized, examiner blinded, multicenter study to evaluate the effect of a single treatment of photodynamic disinfection in adults with chronic periodontal disease.