Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 65

Activation techniques in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy for retreatment of apical periodontitis

Official title: Molecular and Clinical Evaluation of the Effects of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy Applied Using Different Activation Techniques on the Microbiota and Host Response in Previously Root Canal-Treated Teeth With Apical Periodontitis

Run by Karadeniz Technical University · NCT07921277 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This trial tests whether different methods of agitating methylene blue during antimicrobial photodynamic therapy can improve healing and reduce infection in teeth that prior root canals had treated for asymptomatic apical periodontitis.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SponsorKaradeniz Technical University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Trabzon, Ortahisar)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 1, 2026
Main results expectedDecember 30, 2026
Study endsMay 2027
Registry record updatedNovember 6, 2026
Trial IDNCT07921277 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults 18-65 with asymptomatic apical periodontitis requiring nonsurgical retreatment, without systemic disease or pregnancy, and able to attend 12-month follow-up.

Probably not a fit

Patients with complex root anatomy, radiographic lesions larger than 5 mm, or contraindications to the proposed procedures may not benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

In this randomized study, 60 adults undergoing nonsurgical retreatment for asymptomatic apical periodontitis are assigned to one of four groups: no extra agitation, standard syringe agitation, passive ultrasonic irrigation, or laser-assisted irrigation during antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with methylene blue. Samples are collected at three treatment stages to analyze microbiology, inflammation, and healing, with a subset undergoing metagenomic sequencing. All participants receive the same photosensitizer and light activation using the FotoSan device, and are followed for 12 months. The goal is to determine if more effective agitation methods enhance clinical outcomes and microbiological control compared with basic aPDT.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify agitation techniques that improve root canal disinfection and healing in retreatment cases.

How similar studies have gone: Prior work on photoactivated disinfection suggests microbiological and clinical benefits in endodontics, but this study tests multiple agitation methods in retreatment, which is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18-65 years.
* No history of systemic disease.
* Non-smokers.
* Not pregnant or breastfeeding.
* Provision of written informed consent.
* Willingness to attend follow-up appointments for 12 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Teeth with internal or external root resorption.
* Teeth with moderate or severe root canal curvature.
* Teeth with open apices.
* Teeth with periodontal probing depths ≥4 mm.
* Teeth in which adequate rubber dam isolation cannot be achieved.
* Teeth considered non-restorable.
* Teeth requiring post retention.
* Teeth with radiographically determined periapical lesions larger than 5.
* Systemic antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medication use within the preceding month.

Where it's running

  • Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Dentistry
    Trabzon, Ortahisar, Turkey (Türkiye)
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Nihan Çelik Uzun, Assistant Professor — Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Dentistry
  • Study coordinator: Nihan Çelik Uzun, Assistant Professor
  • Email: nihancelik@ktu.edu.tr
  • Phone: +90 5557256407

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.