Photodynamic Therapy in Lower Third Molar Alveoli

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is widely used in medicine to treat tumours pre-malignant lesions macular degeneration and psoriasis and in dentistry it is applied to periodontal pockets herpes simplex and other microbial lesions. This therapy consists of combining a low-intensity light source with a dye. Bacteria fungi yeasts and viruses can also be eliminated by visible light after treatment with an appropriate photosensitiser. In this study the effect of PDT on the dental alveoli of lower third molars immediately after extraction was verified in vivo showing a drastic reduction in the amount of growth of microorganisms a statistically significant reduction in pain and oedema and a better scar appearance after seven days.