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Periowave is an antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (a-PDT) machine. It is used in periodontics, endodontics and operative dentistry to kill bacteria or inhibit the growth of bacteria (e.g. Porphyromonas gingivalis). Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy is the process in which light and photosensitizer are used to destroy cell membrance of the bacteria by the action of reactive oxygen species and singlet oxygen. Professor Michael Wilson of University College London is the pioneer of photodisinfection or a-PDT which is a non-invasive, non-antibiotic and non-surgical procedure. The Periowave aPDT system was introduced to the market by Ondine Biomedical Inc., Vancouver B.C. in 2006. Periowave is approved for the treatment of chronic periodontitis, gingivitis, endodontics, and peri-implantitis disease.
It is a non-antibiotic therapy that destroys gram-negative oral pathogens without pain, heat, or surgery. Unlike thermal lasers that cut tissue, Periowave utilizes a cold (non-thermal) diode laser. It does not cause damage to root surfaces, dental materials, or surrounding tissues. Periowave does not exhibit many of the issues commonly associated with antibiotics, such as bacterial resistance, allergic or sensitivity reactions, opportunistic infections, or prolonged doses of medication.