The role of Transgingival Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy for Disinfection of Periodontal Pockets in Various Gingival Phenotypes: A Clinico-microbiological Study

A BSTRACT Introduction: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is an effective approach, as mechanical debridement causes pain and irritation. aPDT involves inserting laser tip into the periodontal pocket at a limited angle. Hence, transgingival aPDT is an effective emerging approach. Methodology: Forty patients with pockets of ≥5 mm was employed; thick and thin gingival phenotypes were divided into two groups. aPDT was performed by laser irradiation from outside the gingiva using photosensitizer Toluidine blue. Subgingival plaque was sampled before, immediately after, and 1 week after treatment. Results: In thick gingiva CFU count dropped from 138 to 49.2, and thin gingiva CFU count reduced from 121.8 to 50.4, statistically significant reduction ( P < 0.05). After 1 week, bacterial counts for both gingival phenotypes did not differ significantly from the immediate post-treatment values (i.e., p > 0.05), suggesting stabilization rather than rebound. Conclusion: Transgingival aPDT is a promising approach for managing periodontal disease, offering simplified treatment with potential for effective results.