Comparing conventional endodontic treatment with photodynamic therapy for root canal disinfection

Effectiveness of Photodynamic Therapy Combined With Conventional Endodontic Treatment in the Disinfection of Root Canals in Patients With Apical Lesion: a Randomized Clinical Trial

NA · Universidad de La Frontera · NCT05916859

This study is testing if adding a special light treatment to regular root canal therapy can help people with tooth infections feel better and heal faster.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment159 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversidad de La Frontera (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Santiago)
Trial IDNCT05916859 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of conventional endodontic treatment versus endodontic treatment combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT) in patients with apical lesions. It will involve a randomized, controlled, and blinded design with three treatment groups: a placebo group receiving standard treatment, a group receiving standard treatment with PDT for 10 seconds, and another for 20 seconds. Clinical and radiographic examinations will assess the presence and size of apical lesions, while microbiological evaluations will measure root canal disinfection. The success rates of the treatments will be compared six months post-treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adult patients with pulp necrosis and apical lesions who do not have any general biological risks.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant or require complex dental rehabilitation due to significant coronal destruction may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve the effectiveness of root canal treatments and enhance patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of photodynamic therapy in dental treatments is emerging, this specific combination with conventional endodontic treatment is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients eligible for this study must comply with the following for randomization:

1. Adult patients of either sex
2. No general biological risk
3. At least 1 molar with pulp necrosis and apical lesion

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnancy
2. Patients requiring complex dental rehabilitation due to major coronal destruction
3. Individuals with cognitive disability making conventional treatment impossible

Where this trial is running

Santiago

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Endodontic Treatment, Periapical Diseases, Photodynamic Therapy, apical lesion, endodontic treatment, infra-red laser

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.