Using light therapy to treat deep dental cavities

Effect of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy on Deep Caries in Permanent Tooth: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Fujian Medical University · NCT02929914

This study is testing whether a special light therapy can help treat deep dental cavities better than a regular saline wash for people with permanent teeth.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorFujian Medical University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Fuzhou, Fujian)
Trial IDNCT02929914 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in treating deep caries in permanent teeth. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either aPDT or a saline wash after incomplete caries removal during restorative treatment. The study will involve microbiological analysis of dentin samples collected before and after treatment, followed by clinical and radiographic follow-ups at 6, 12, and 24 months to assess outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals in good general health with permanent teeth exhibiting deep carious lesions but without pain symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with allergies to the photosensitizer or those unable to comply with study procedures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve the treatment of deep dental caries and reduce the risk of further complications.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of photodynamic therapy in dental treatments is emerging, this specific application for deep caries is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Good general health, without syndromes or chronic systemic diseases
* Permanent tooth with deep carious lesion (2/3 of dentin) without pain symptomatology and compatible with reversible pulpits

Exclusion Criteria:

* Refused to sign the informed consent document
* Allergic to photosensitizer
* Unlikely to be able to comply with the study procedures

Where this trial is running

Fuzhou, Fujian

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.
Conditions Dental CariesCarious dentinPhotodynamic Therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.