Impact of photodynamic therapy on the marginal adaptation of biodentine used as root-end filling material

BACKGROUND: The marginal adaptation of root-end filling materials and the effective antibacterial control in a surgical site are crucial for the successful outcome of endodontic surgery. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of retrograde application of photodynamic therapy on the marginal adaptation of Biodentine used as a root-end filling material. METHODS: Twenty single-rooted anterior teeth were selected, instrumented and obturated with gutta-percha and AH Plus. The apical 3 mm of the roots were resected and root-end cavities were prepared with an ultrasonic retro-tip. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10). In the first group, photodynamic therapy (PDT) was applied in the retrograde cavity prior to the root-end filling. In the second group retro cavity was filled without PDT. All specimens were obturated with Biodentine and afterwards sectioned longitudinally. The gap width at the material-dentin interface was measured using a scanning electron microscope. The results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The produced gap width by Biodentine/PDT was 3.85 μm versus 2.68 μm in the Biodentine control group with significant differences in-between. CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of this study, PDT has a negative effect on the marginal adaptation of Biodentine used as root-end filling material.