Clinical Study of Biostimulation with Low-Power Diode Laser After Dental Extractions.

Introduction

The objective of the present work is to assess the efficacy of photobiomodulation (PBM) with respect to pain, inflammation, and healing after tooth extractions as compared with a sham treatment. Method: A single-blinded, randomized clinical study conducted in a private dental clinic in Murcia, it included 124 patients who needed a tooth extraction, excluding those with medical conditions that could affect healing (such as non-controlled diabetes, immunosuppression, or hemorrhagic disorders). Group I (Experimental): extraction and PBM session with a diode laser (power: 0.5 W, energy 15 J/cm2 for 10-30 s at 1 mm from the tissue). Group II (Sham treatment): tooth extraction and application of inactive PBM.

Results

Pain and inflammation decreased similarly in both groups over time. Anxiety decreased in both groups without significant differences (p = 0.776; p = 0.246). There was no evidence that the treatment or location of the extraction had an influence on healing. Suturing the socket increased the likelihood of good healing (p = 0.048), while long procedures reduced it (p = 0.040).

Conclusions

PBM is a non-invasive and safe therapy. This study did not show significant differences with respect to the sham treatment. More research is needed with a standardized methodology to better assess its efficacy.