Effect of surgical periodontal treatment associated to antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on chronic periodontitis: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Aim This randomized controlled clinical trial evaluated the effects of an adjunctive single application of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy ( aPDT ) in Surgical Periodontal Treatment ( ST ) in patients with severe chronic periodontitis ( SCP ). Material and Methods In a split‐mouth design, 20 patients with SCP were treated with aPDT + ST (Test Group, TG ) or ST only (Control Group, CG ). aPDT was applied in a single episode, using a diode laser and a phenothiazine photosensitizer. All patients were monitored until 90 days after surgical therapy. Levels of 40 subgingival species were measured by checkerboard DNA ‐ DNA hybridization at baseline, 60 and 150 days. Clinical and microbiological parameters were evaluated. Results In deep periodontal pockets depth ( PPD ≥5 mm), Test Group presented a significantly higher decrease in PPD than Control Group at 90 days after surgical therapy ( p  < .05). Test Group also demonstrated significantly less periodontal pathogens of red complex ( Treponema denticola ) ( p  < .05). Conclusion A single episode of aPDT used in adjunct to open flap debridement of the root surface in the surgical treatment of SCP : i) significantly improved clinical periodontal parameters; ii) eliminates periodontal pathogens of the red complex more effectively ( NCT 02734784).