The search for effective treatment

Researchers at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece are currently investigating whether antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) administered via Lumoral – a novel oral health solution – supports non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease in smoking patients. Treatment of periodontitis in smokers is often challenging, therefore researching and finding effective treatments for this patient group is crucial.

Tobacco use is recognised as the most important risk factor for periodontal disease as it negatively affects both disease evolution and therapeutic strategies. Given close contact with tobacco products, oral microcirculation weakens which, in turn, aggravates periodontal disease.

A new study using regular home use of dual-light photodynamic therapy as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment in smokers – is being led by Professor Dimitra Sakellari, head of the Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Implant Biology, at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Sixty smoking periodontitis patients were selected to take part in the trial. Half of them will receive antibacterial Lumoral treatment during a period of three months as an adjacent therapy, while the rest will receive standard periodontal care. Results from the ongoing study will be available in September 2024.