Nanoparticles Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Periodontitis

Abstract

Periodontitis is a bacterial-induced inflammatory disease of alveolar bone and soft tissues eventually leading to the loss of the tooth. Elimination of the infectious agent is the ultimate goal of periodontal therapy, either by mechanical debridement, non-surgical therapy, minimally invasive or noninvasive procedures, or surgical therapy. Recent advances in treatment and technology have led to the discovery of different options, of which photodynamic therapy (PDT) is being used as an aid to conventional periodontal therapy. It helps in overcoming microbial resistance to antimicrobials. However, studies have documented that, PDT shows not much of a difference in the clinic-microbiological parameters. Hence, nanoparticles are encapsulated with Photosensitizers which enhance the stability and penetrability of diseased cells and microorganisms and are used as a novel technique. This review article, is a discussion on PDT in the treatment of periodontitis, with an emphasis on nanoparticles, which can be used in enhancing the effect of photosensitizers (PS) and improving the PDT activity, also various studies based on nanoparticles used in PDT in treating periodontitis are discussed in this review.