Impact of Photodynamic Therapy as an Adjunct to Non-surgical Periodontal Treatment on Clinical and Biochemical Parameters Among Patients Having Mild Rheumatoid Arthritis With Periodontitis

Methylene blue (MB) with a concentration of 10 mg/mL was delivered inside the periodontal pocket. MB was injected inside in the selected periodontal pockets 4 - 6 mm with the help of a blunt needle and left for 1 min. Later, the periodontal pockets were flushed with distilled water for 3 min to remove the excess MB. The diode laser HELBO® TheraLite - Bredent Medical, Germany) of diameter 200 µm was used to deliver the light to initiate the disinfection process. Each participant underwent single session of laser exposure. The laser parameters such as wavelength, spot area, power output and laser energy were set at 660 nm, 0.028 cm2, 60 mW/cm2, and 150 mW, respectively. The laser was subjected for a period of 30 s in each pocket.

A single session of full-mouth ultrasonic scaling using a sterilized scaler was rendered to the control group. Deep pockets were additionally approached and cleaned by using manual 'After Fives' Gracey curette for root planning (Hu Friedy Gracey After Five Vision curette; HuFriedy, Chicago, USA). This session was followed by a polishing session. A motivational session was conducted where the patients were educated on the importance of maintaining a good oral hygiene by brushing their teeth twice daily followed by the regular use of dental floss and chlorhexidine mouth wash twice daily, respectively.