Using light therapy to treat dental infections with fistulas

Effect of the Photodynamic Therapy Mediated by Methylene Blue in Surfactant Medium as an Adjuvant in the Treatment of Parts With Apical Periodontitis and the Presence of Fistula: A Randomized, Controlled Double-blind Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Nove de Julho · NCT06413836

This study is testing if adding light therapy to regular dental treatment can help people with tooth infections and fistulas feel better and heal faster.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Nove de Julho Academic / other
Locations1 site (Montevideo)
Trial IDNCT06413836 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of adjuvant antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in patients suffering from apical periodontitis accompanied by a fistula. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving standard endodontic treatment and the other receiving the same treatment combined with aPDT. The study aims to assess symptom reduction, fistula resolution, and clinical signs of inflammation, as well as to evaluate radiographic parameters. A sample size of 30 participants has been calculated to ensure statistical validity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with a single-rooted tooth affected by apical periodontitis and a fistula.

Not a fit: Patients with significant comorbidities, those undergoing orthodontic treatment, or those with deeper periodontal pockets will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve outcomes for patients with dental infections and fistulas.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of photodynamic therapy in dental treatments is emerging, this specific application in conjunction with endodontic treatment is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients must have a single-rooted tooth with apical periodontitis and the presence of fistula.

Patients must be over 18 years of age.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients with comorbidities such as cancer, diabetes, coagulation diseases, and anemia; Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment; Patients with periodontal pockets deeper than 4 mm; Patients taking antibiotics; Pregnant or lactating patients; Patients with parts that present the impossibility of performing absolute isolation.

Where this trial is running

Montevideo

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 PeriodontitisFistulaFistula aPDTMethylene Blue
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.