Photodynamic therapy (PDT) also known as photoradiation therapy, phototherapy, or photochemotherapy, involves the use of a photoactive dye (photosensitizer) that is activated by exposure to light of a specific wavelength in the presence of oxygen. PDT is a very promising and non invasive treatment modality. At present, PDT is alternative method of treatment of premalignant lesions and head & neck cancer. It is well known that PDT may also be used in the eradication of refractory fungal infections in oral cavity where antibiotics have failed. Due to its ability of viral inactivation, PDT is being used in the treatment of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1) recurrent infections. PDT is being also tested in the case of eradication of microbial which colonized root canals and dental plaque. Almost every dental practice is equipped with polymerizing lamp which is very convenient source of monochromatic blue light in most cases. The application of a photosensitizer with absorption spectrum near to emission spectrum of the polymerizing lamp might be a new, potent tool in dentistry.
Photodynamic Therapy, Photosensitizer, Wavelength, Radiation
