Photodynamic Therapy as an Adjunct to Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy in Stage II Periodontitis

Gum disease (periodontitis) affects millions of people worldwide and can lead to tooth loss if untreated. The standard treatment is a deep cleaning procedure called non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT), where a dentist removes bacterial buildup from beneath the gums. Sometimes, harmful bacteria remain after this cleaning and the disease can return. This study tests whether adding a light-based antibacterial treatment - called photodynamic therapy (PDT) - to the standard deep cleaning improves results. PDT works by placing a harmless green dye (indocyanine green) into the gum pocket, then shining a specific laser light on it. The light activates the dye and kills the remaining bacteria without antibiotics. Who can join: Adults aged 18 and over diagnosed with moderate gum disease (Stage II periodontitis) with gum pocket depths of 4-5 mm. How it works: Each participant receives both treatments - standard cleaning on one side of the mouth, and standard cleaning plus PDT on the other side. This allows a fair comparison within the same person. What is measured: Gum pocket depth, gum attachment level, and gum bleeding - checked at the start of the study and again after 3 months. The study was conducted at Thumbay University Hospital, UAE

Inclusion Criteria: * \- Adults aged 18 years and older * Diagnosis of Stage II periodontitis according to the 2018 classification of the World Workshop of Periodontology (AAP/EFP) * At least two non-adjacent sites with interproximal probing pocket depth of 4-5 mm * Interproximal clinical attachment loss of 3-4 mm at affected sites * Willing and able to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Periodontal therapy including scaling and root debridement within the last 12 months * Antibiotic use or regular use of mouthwash in the 3 months prior to enrollment * Pregnancy * Any systemic condition that may affect periodontal healing (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes, immunocompromised states) * Regular use of hormonal contraceptives * Smoking more than 10 cigarettes per day