A new method for photodynamic disinfection of prosthetic constructions and impressions in prosthetic dentistry

INTRODUCTION: Photodynamic therapy is a topical treatment of pathogens that involves the use of a photoactive dye (photosensitizer), which is non-toxic when not exposed to light and activated by light of a specific wavelength in the presence of oxygen. The highly cytotoxic oxygen species generated by the induced photophysical processes inactivate the pathogenic cells. The PURPOSE of this study was to present a new method we developed for photodynamic disinfection of prostheses and impressions in prosthetic dentistry and to assess its effectiveness in comparison with some conventional methods of disinfection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The method was developed on the basis of series of experimental studies (30 experiments for each type of disinfectant, 30 controls with no disinfection for each material, and 30 direct cultures of each test microorganism--MRSA, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans) using standard test specimens made of prosthesis plastic and impression materials. RESULTS: The new method of photodynamic disinfection with GaPc1 as photosensitizer was 100% efficient in C-silicones, A-silicones and polyethers, but not in alginates (40%). To plastics the photodynamic method shows the same efficiency as the conventional disinfectants of hypochlorite solutions and denture cleansing tablets (100% effect). CONCLUSION: The method of photodynamic disinfection we developed is a good therapeutic choice against orally transmitted diseases in prosthetic dentistry.