An interventional study of Non-surgical periodontal treatment and Scaling and root planing + aPDT in Periodontitis, sponsored by Egas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL. Recruiting at 2 sites in Portugal. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-07-17.
Sponsored by Egas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative technique that utilizes light-activated agents, known as photosensitizers, to produce reactive oxygen species capable of targeting and eliminating pathogens. This therapeutic approach has been explored in a variety of medical fields due to its versatility and minimal invasiveness. In the context of periodontal diseases, PDT has emerged as a promising adjunctive treatment in the non-surgical management of periodontitis. Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease caused by the accumulation of pathogenic bacteria in the subgingival environment, is often treated with mechanical debridement, including scaling and root planing (SRP). However, these conventional methods may not always achieve complete bacterial eradication. PDT, when used in conjunction with SRP, has the potential to significantly enhance bacterial elimination. The use of photosensitizers, activated by specific wavelengths of light, leads to the generation of singlet oxygen, which can effectively kill a broad spectrum of periodontal pathogens, including those resistant to antibiotics. As an adjunctive therapy, PDT can improve the clinical outcomes of non-surgical periodontitis treatment by reducing bacterial load, promoting tissue healing, and potentially decreasing the need for more invasive procedures. The ability of PDT to target bacteria without harming surrounding tissues makes it an attractive option for patients who require a non-invasive treatment approach. In conclusion, photodynamic therapy is a valuable addition to periodontal treatment regimens, offering enhanced bacterial reduction and improved therapeutic outcomes in the management of periodontitis.
1,634 studies on the registry are indexed under Periodontitis; 327 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 20 is below the median of 45 across 1,191 interventional studies indexed under Periodontitis.
Browse Periodontitis studies →Egas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL is the lead sponsor of 40 studies on the registry; 21 are open to participants now.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Conventional non-surgical treatment - scaling and root planing
Procedure: Non-surgical periodontal treatment
Scaling and root planing + aPDT (antimicrobial photodynamic therapy)
Procedure: Scaling and root planing + aPDT
Removal of deposits above and below the gum line using hand or ultrasonic tools and thorough smoothing of root surfaces to discourage re-accumulation of bacteria.
Non-invasive treatment that uses a combination of a light-sensitive compound (photosensitizer), specific light, and oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that kill bacteria.
Microbiology outcome
Changes in the microbiome collected from periodontal pockets sequencing 16S ribosomal RNA gene
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 3 months.
Clinical outcome
Probing depth, measuring in millimeters the distance from the gingival margin to the base of a sulcus or periodontal pocket, using a periodontal probe.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 3 months.
Plan to share: No
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Egas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL