SONOPHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY FOR DENTAL APPLICATIONS

摘要

The present invention includes methods for killing microbes in an oral cavity or wound comprising: applying a photosensitizing composition to a locus or a wound (102); applying a fluid and sonic energy to the locus or wound (104); and irradiating the locus or wound with a light source at a wavelength absorbed by the photosensitizing composition so as to destroy microbes at the locus or wound (106). The present invention also include methods for killing microbes in an oral cavity or wound comprising: applying a photosensitizing composition to a locus or a wound (202); and applying sufficient sonic energy to the locus or wound in order to provide acoustic cavitation so as to destroy microbes at the locus or wound (204). The present invention further provides an apparatus for providing sonophotodynamic therapy includes one or more members (12) in communication with one or more of the following: a sonic energy source (20); a therapeutic fluid source (26) and a light source (22).