Effect of 810-nm diode laser photobiomodulation on the reversal of maxillary and mandibular soft tissue local anaesthesia in children: a randomized split-mouth clinical trial.

This randomized split-mouth clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of 810-nm diode laser photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in accelerating reversal of maxillary and mandibular soft tissue local anaesthesia in children. Forty children aged 4-9 years requiring infiltration anesthesia in both arches were included in the study. Each participant received PBMT irradiation on one side and sham irradiation on the opposite side. Irradiation was performed 45 min after the application of local anesthesia. The primary outcome was the time required for the return of normal soft tissue sensation. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of postoperative soft tissue trauma. Recovery time was significantly shorter in the PBMT group than in the sham group (p < 0.001). At 20 and 30 min, recovery rates were significantly higher in the PBMT group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.035, respectively). Soft tissue trauma incidence was lower in the PBMT group (p = 0.020). Comparable recovery trends were observed in both maxillary and mandibular procedures. PBMT using an 810-nm diode laser appears to be a safe, non-invasive, and effective adjunct for reducing the duration of soft tissue local anaesthesia and associated trauma in paediatric dental patients. *This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (Protocol ID: NCT06841120), 2025-21-01, retrospectively registered.