Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy With an LED and a Laser on the Proliferation of Human Gingival Fibroblasts on the Root Surface: An In Vitro Study: Photodynamic Therapy Effect on the Proliferation of Fibroblasts

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the effects of root biomodification by citric acid and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) with LED and laser on the proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs).Methods: This in vitro experimental study evaluated 60 single-rooted teeth extracted due to periodontal disease. The teeth underwent scaling and root planing (SRP), and then 5 × 5 mm blocks were prepared from the cervical area of the teeth 1 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction. The blocks were divided into 4 groups (n=15 blocks): SRP alone (control), SRP + citric acid, SRP + toluidine blue (TBO) + LED light, and SRP + TBO + laser. HGFs were seeded on the surface of the samples, and the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay wasperformed after 24, 48, and 72 hours. Group comparisons were performed using repeated-measures ANOVA, while pairwise comparisons of the time points were performed by an LSD test.Results: Cell proliferation was higher in all experimental groups at 48 and 72 hours, compared with 24 hours (P<0.05). Cell proliferation was significantly different in the citric acid group at 24 hours (P=0.016) and 48 hours (P=0.015), compared with other groups. However, cell proliferation was not significantly different in the aPDT group with LED Photosan and a diode laser at 24 and 48 hours (P>0.05).Conclusion: aPDT and citric acid can enhance the proliferation of HGFs on dentin blocks. Further studies can pave the way for their future use in the clinical setting. DOI:10.34172/jlms.2021.47