Light activated disinfection: an alternative endodontic disinfection strategy

Background: An improved light activated disinfection technique utilizing a specific photosensitizer formulation, liquid optical‐conduit, oxygen‐carrier and light energy of appropriate wavelength has been introduced recently. This study tested the efficacy of this improved light activated disinfection on ex vivo biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis at two different stages of maturation. Methods: Eighty‐five tooth sections were prepared and endodontic biofilm of E. faecalis were grown within the root canal. In stage 1, conventional light activated disinfection (LAD), chemical disinfectant (sodium hypochlorite) and improved LAD were tested on four‐day‐old (immature) biofilms. In stage 2, conventional LAD, improved LAD and chemomechanical disinfection (alone and in combination with improved LAD) were tested on four‐week‐old (mature) biofilms. Results: Sodium hypochlorite and improved LAD showed the ability to significantly inactivate bacteria in four‐day‐old biofilms when compared to the control and LAD (p