ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is effective in reducing pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity and in preventing dental diseases. This study evaluated the pre-irradiation time using PDT (diode laser associated with 0.01% methylene blue) to decrease the number of microorganisms in the visible plaque in permanent teeth. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial included 108 homologous lower permanent first molars (36 and 46) with biofilm from 54 children aged six to 12 years. PDT was performed (0.01% methylene blue photosensitizer/therapeutic laser-InGaAIP), according to the following protocols: Group 1, biofilm collection of the distal area of the lingual surface of 36 µm before PDT; group 2, mesial area of the lingual surface of 36 µm 1 min after PDT; group 3, area of the lingual surface of 46 µm before PDT; and group 4, mesial area of the lingual surface of 46 µm 5 min after PDT. RESULTS: After statistical analysis, significant differences were observed between the groups (p = 0.000). In groups 2 and 4, the number of bacteria tended to decrease, with a more evident bacterial reduction in group 4. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-irradiation reduced the number of colony-forming units of mature bacterial biofilms in vivo. A time of 5 min resulted in a greater reduction in the number of colony-forming units. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ReBEC Identifier: RBR-6bqfp3; Date of Register: March 2nd, 2020. Retrospectively Registered.