Photodynamic therapy in peri-implantitis treatment: an integrative literature review

Background Owing to the microbiological factor in the etiopathogenesis of peri-implantitis and the decontamination difficulty of the peri-implant environment for a definitive treatment, the possibility of using laser therapies and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy arises. This study aimed to review the literature on the effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in peri-implantitis treatment in clinical studies. Methods We searched the PubMed, Embase, Lilacs, and Web of Science databases for articles published between January 2000 and December 2020. In compliance with the recommendations of the PRISMA statement, 24 articles were included. Results The observed studies showed a lack of standard procedures related to the types of photosensitizers and its doses, energy configurations, laser use, previous treatments for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy application, randomization of groups, and presence of control groups, not allowing a satisfactory comparison of the success rates. However, it was possible to conclude that antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, as an adjuvant, can provide similar clinical improvements in bleeding on probing and probing pocket depth as the conventional peri-implant therapy. In addition, we provided evidence that antimicrobial photodynamic therapy improves the outcomes of implant surface debridement. Conclusion It is still necessary to design new studies with standardized protocols to guarantee results with greater levels of evidence and for future recommendations.