Electrotherapy for chronic gum and periapical abscesses.

It is well known that living cells have bioelectrical phenomena which could be affected by electric field alteratious. Exposure to an electric field causes considerable changes in metabolic, immunologic and physiologic aspects of biological systems. The possible effect of electrical stimuli on various tissues, in vitro and in vivo, have been anticipated. In this regard, electrotherapy with the use of a low intensity external direct current has been found to enhance bone fracture healing, the repair of pseudoarthrosis and prompt skin wound healing with stronger scar tissues. Direct current has also antibacterial and antifungal properties. Recently, electrical stimulation has also been used for the treatment of varibus types of headache including that due to migraine or muscular contraction. It was used for treatment of indolent ulcers and pain. Perthes disease was managed successfully with the use of electromagnetic fields. These observations encouraged the use of direct current therapy in patient with chronic gum and periapical abscess.