Journal of Research and Advancement in Dentistry
Official publication of Magadh University and Kolhan University, Government of Bihar and Jharkhand, India
Official publication of Magadh University and Kolhan University, Government of Bihar and Jharkhand, India
Year : 2026
Volume : Volume 17
Issue : Issue 1
Address for correspondence :
Dr Maheswari Eluru
elurumaheswari24@gmail.com
Background: Enterococcus faecalis is a robust endodontic pathogen recognised for its capacity to endure severe intracanal environments and establish enduring biofilms. New disinfection methods like ozone therapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT) have been suggested to improve the removal of biofilms beyond what standard irrigants can do. Materials and Methods: This in vitro experimental study assessed the antimicrobial effectiveness of ozone therapy and photodynamic therapy against mature E. faecalis biofilms established in instrumented human root canals. Standardised root specimens were inoculated with E. faecalis and incubated for 21 days to facilitate biofilm maturation. We randomly put samples into one of four groups: aqueous ozone, gaseous ozone, PDT, or no treatment at all. Ozone was delivered through calibrated aqueous and gaseous systems, whereas PDT utilised a specific photosensitiser followed by diode-laser activation. We measured the reduction of biofilm by counting the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) in dentin shavings. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to look at structural changes in biofilms. All procedures adhered to established protocols to ensure methodological uniformity. Results: Both ozone therapy and PDT lowered the number of E. faecalis bacteria by a lot more than the control group (p < 0.05). PDT was the most effective at killing germs, reducing CFUs by 89%. Gaseous ozone (74.7%) and aqueous ozone (58%) were next. SEM analyses showed that the biofilm matrix was almost completely broken down in the PDT group. Ozone, on the other hand, caused only moderate structural damage, especially in its gaseous form. Ozone in water penetrated the least into deeper dentinal tubules. The control group maintained robust, unbroken biofilms. Conclusion: PDT had the strongest effect on mature E. faecalis biofilms, better than either type of ozone therapy. Gaseous ozone demonstrated moderate antibacterial efficacy, while aqueous ozone exhibited diminished effectiveness. These results indicate that PDT might be a better way to help with disinfection during endodontic treatment. Additional clinical studies are necessary to confirm these findings and develop optimal clinical protocols.
