Photobiomodulation Therapy in Oral Medicine: A Guide for the Practitioner with Focus on New Possible Protocols

Advanced Lasers and Their Applications in Dentistry

The development of laser technology has revolutionized dentistry, offering complementary and alternative approaches to traditional techniques. Lasers have been successfully integrated into various dental procedures, enhancing treatment outcomes and patient care. Several types of lasers can increase the acid resistance of enamel, thus preventing caries. Laser fluorescence has been utilized for the pre-operative diagnosis of dental caries, enabling early detection and effective treatment planning. The therapeutic application of lasers in caries treatment aligns with the contemporary philosophy of minimally invasive procedures. Clinicians can use laser Doppler flowmetry as a supplementary tool for pulp vitality testing by detecting pulpal blood flow. Lasers are also employed in various pulp-related interventions, such as managing dentine hypersensitivity and performing root canal therapy. These procedures benefit from the precision and reduced invasiveness provided by laser technology. Furthermore, laser fluorescence serves as an additional tool for subgingival calculus detection. High-power and low-power lasers are used in both nonsurgical and surgical therapies to treat periodontal and peri-implant diseases, oral mucosa conditions, and even cancer based on their specific properties. Lasers are also utilized to accelerate bone regeneration, promote adhesive strength, and remove ceramic brackets. In summary, laser technology has significantly impacted contemporary dentistry by facilitating early diagnosis, minimally invasive treatments, and precise operative procedures, ultimately improving patient outcomes and expanding the scope of dental practice.

Comparative efficacy of photobiomodulation on osseointegration in dental implants: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) in enhancing bone integration with dental implants.

METHOD

PubMed, ScienceDirect, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched. Studies assessing PBM effectiveness with defined intervention/control groups were included, while those lacking specified laser types, involving severe maxillofacial defects or surgery, and not reporting outcomes related to dental implant osseointegration post-PBM therapy were excluded. The studies' risk of bias was assessed using Robvis for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and ROBINS-I for non-RCTs. The meta-analysis was conducted utilizing a random-effects model at a significance level of 0.01.

RESULTS

The study reviewed 26 papers involving 571 patients undergoing dental implant procedures with PBM/Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or placebo/control. Implant stability quotients (ISQ) analysis showed a non-significant difference (p = 0.06, mean difference: 1.02, 95 % CI: 0.28 to 1.75, I2=28 %), while the Periotest method indicated significant improvement in stability (p < 0.01, mean difference: -0.51, 95 % CI: -0.78 to -0.24, I2=71 %). PBM resulted in a significant bone density increase (p < 0.01, mean difference: 26, 95 % CI: 6.93 to 45.06, I2=91 %), but marginal bone loss showed no significant difference (p = 0.11, mean difference: 0.00, 95 % CI: -0.06 to 0.05, I2=45 %). Implant survival rate did not significantly differ (p = 0.73, mean difference: 1.56, 95 % CI: 0.38 to 6.46, I2=0 %). Most studies raised concerns regarding randomization.

CONCLUSION

PBM could improve implant stability, as assessed with Periotest, and increase bone density, enhancing osseointegration. However, implant stability assessed with ISQ, marginal bone loss, and implant survival rate were comparable between the study groups.

Effective Treatment of Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome by Using Photobiomodulation Therapy: A Case Report

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for the treatment of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS). Background: SRUS is a benign disease, diagnosed by symptoms, clinical, and histological findings. PBMT has been reported for the treatment of various inflammation-based diseases including aphthous ulcer, but still no such study on the treatment of SRUS is published. Materials and methods: A 29-year Asian women, diagnosed for SRUS of 0.57 cm diameter, was treated by a laser at 635 nm through seven sessions. Laser fluence of 85 J/cm2 was delivered to ulcer lesion during each session for 10 min. Clinical results were valued by physician with sigmoid probe throughout PBMT sessions and no medicines were prescribed to the patient. Results: After seven sessions, the lesion was completely healed with 100% clinical response. In follow-up, patient did not respond to any additional/recurring abnormality, and no side effects were observed. Conclusions: In conclusion, PBMT by using laser at 635 nm is an effective treatment for SRUS without any side effects and patient remained comfortable throughout treatment sessions. Patient registration No. H-744/23.

Photobiomodulation Effects on Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells: A Systematic Review of In Vitro Studies

BACKGROUND

Stem cell therapy has been considered to play a paramount role in the treatment modalities available for regenerative dentistry. The established beneficial effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) at the cellular level have led to the combined use of these two factors (PBM and stem cells). The main goal of this study was firstly to critically appraise the effects of PBM on periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), and secondly to explore the most effective PBM protocols applied.

METHODS

Pubmed, Cochrane, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar search engines were used to identify experimental in vitro studies in which PBM was applied to cultured PDLSCs. After applying specific keywords, additional filters, and inclusion/exclusion criteria, a preliminary number of 245 articles were narrowed down to 11 in which lasers and LEDs were used within the 630 - 1064 nm wavelength range. Selected articles were further assessed by three independent reviewers for strict compliance with PRISMA guidelines, and a modified Cochrane risk of bias to determine eligibility.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The dataset analysed was extracted from the studies with sufficient and clearly presented PBM protocols. Simple univariate regression analysis was performed to explore the significance of contributions of potential quantitative predictor variables toward study outcomes, and a one-way ANOVA model was employed for testing differences between the laser or LED sources of the treatments. The significance level for testing was set at α = 0.05.

RESULTS

The proliferation rate, osteogenic differentiation, and expression of different indicative genes for osteogenesis and inflammation suppression were found to be positively affected by the application of various types of lasers and LEDs. With regard to the PBM protocol, only the wavelength variable appeared to affect the treatment outcome; indeed, the 940 nm wavelength parameter was found not to exert a favourable effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Photobiomodulation can enhance the stemness and differentiation capacities of periodontal ligament stem cells. Therefore, for PBM protocols, there remains no consensus amongst the scientific community. Statistical analyses performed here indicated that the employment of a near-infrared (NIR) wavelength of 940 nm may not yield a significant favourable outcome, although those within the 630 - 830 nm range did so. Concerning the fluence, it should not exceed 8 J/cm2 when therapy is applied by LED devices, and 4 J/cm2 when applied by lasers, respectively.

Development and Application of Prototype System Based on Light-Emitting Diode Arrays (660 nm) with a Top Hat Beam Profile in Order to Optimize Photobiomodulation Protocols for Treatment of Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis in Rats

Background: Oral mucositis (OM) is a common adverse effect of radiation to the head and neck. Recent research has shown that extra oral photobiomodulation (EO-PBM) reduces the severity of OM. However, appropriate EO-PBM therapy parameters for OM severity reduction have not been documented. Objective: This work aims to optimize EO-PBM radiation parameters for lowering the severity of radiation-induced OM in rats by establishing a photobiomodulation (PBM) treatment system based on light-emitting diode arrays with top-hat beam profile. Methods: The 36 rats are separated into 2 control groups and 4 groups receiving PBM treatment. The PBM groups are exposed to irradiance between 4 and 24 J/cm2 at 660 nm. The cheek pouch mucosa is removed after scarification for biochemical and histological examination. Student's t-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's Multiple were applied to compare the statistical significance of differences between control groups and PBM treatment groups. Results: Statistical analysis reveals that PBM irradiation at 12 J/cm2 (200 sec) with a flatness of 0.8 and a diameter of 3 cm substantially decreased the level of inflammatory cytokines compared with the positive control group. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the designed treatment PBM system is capable of delivering the optical parameters necessary for therapeutic treatment.

Photobiomodulation therapy mitigates cardiovascular aging and improves survival

BACKGROUND

Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, a form of low-dose light therapy, has been noted to be effective in several age-associated chronic diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. Here, we examined the effects of PBM therapy on age-associated cardiovascular changes in a mouse model of accelerated cardiac aging.

METHODS

Fourteen months old Adenylyl cyclase type VIII (AC8) overexpressing transgenic mice (n = 8) and their wild-type (WT) littermates (n = 8) were treated with daily exposure to Near-Infrared Light (850 nm) at 25 mW/cm2 for 2 min each weekday for a total dose of 1 Einstein (4.5 p.J/cm2 or fluence 3 J/cm2 ) and compared to untreated controls over an 8-month period. PBM therapy was administered for 3.5 months (Early Treatment period), paused, due to Covid-19 restrictions for the following 3 months, and restarted again for 1.5 months. Serial echocardiography and gait analyses were performed at monthly intervals, and serum TGF-β1 levels were assessed following sacrifice.

RESULTS

During the Early Treatment period PBM treatments: reduced the age-associated increases in left ventricular (LV) mass in both genotypes (p = 0.0003), reduced the LV end-diastolic volume (EDV) in AC8 (p = 0.04); and reduced the left atrial dimension in both genotypes (p = 0.02). PBM treatments substantially increased the LV ejection fraction (p = 0.03), reduced the aortic wall stiffness (p = 0.001), and improved gait symmetry, an index of neuro-muscular coordination (p = 0.005). The effects of PBM treatments, measured following the pause, persisted. Total TGF-β1 levels were significantly increased in circulation (serum) in AC8 following PBM treatments (p = 0.01). We observed a striking increase in cumulative survival in PBM-treated AC8 mice (100%; p = 0.01) compared to untreated AC8 mice (43%).

CONCLUSION

PBM treatment mitigated age-associated cardiovascular remodeling and reduced cardiac function, improved neuromuscular coordination, and increased longevity in an experimental animal model. These responses correlate with increased TGF-β1 in circulation. Future mechanistic and dose optimization studies are necessary to assess these anti-aging effects of PBM, and validation in future controlled human studies is required for effective clinical translation.

The combined use of photobiomodulation therapy and platelet-rich fibrin for the management of two MRONJ stage II cases: An alternative approach

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is a relatively rare but serious adverse drug reaction in patients under bone-targeting or antiangiogenic medication for malignant or osteometabolic diseases. The pathogenesis of MRONJ is multifactorial with the inhibition of osteoclasts and angiogenesis considered to play a keyrole in an individually susceptible environment, thus its prevalence is highly differentiated according to each study. Even though MRONJ has been reported since 2003 and the literature is expanding rapidly about possible risk factors, prevention and treatment options, the successful management with no recurrence is still under controversy. The conservative non-surgical (optimal oral hygiene, systemic antibiotic therapy) and surgical procedures (debridement, sequestrectomy or bone resection) are considered the treatment of choice especially at the early stages. Adjuvant therapies have been proposed to further stimulate bone and tissue healing such as teriparatide, bone morphogenic proteins, platelet concentrates, hyperbaric oxygen, ozone therapy, photodynamic therapy and lasers with promising results. The need to develop minimally invasive treatment protocols using novel technologies in particular for those patients with severe medical history has been highlighted in the literature. The clinical protocol that has been developed in our dental department, which is effectively contributing to MRONJ management and associates Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) with platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF), will be presented in this article.

Use of laser in oral frenectomies: a case report series

The aim of these case report series concerns the use of laser technology in oral frenectomies, by discussing different methods as well as comparing different laser wavelengths and underlining the role of photobiomodulation in the healing process.

Management of Periodontal Disease with Adjunctive Therapy with Ozone and Photobiomodulation (PBM): A Randomized Clinical Trial

Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition of the soft and hard tooth-supporting tissues, representing the first cause of tooth loss. In addition to standard mechanical debridement (Scaling and Root Planing, SRP), further approaches have been proposed as adjuncts. The aim of the present randomized clinical trial is to compare the efficacy of ozone or photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy in addition to SRP to treat periodontal disease. According to a split-mouth design, 240 pathological sites, corresponding to 30 periodontal patients, were randomly divided according to the professional oral hygiene protocol performed at baseline (T0) and after 1 (T1), 2 (T2), 3 (T3), 4 (T4), 5 (T5), and 6 (T6) months. A total of 120 sites underwent an ozonized water administration (ozone group), whereas the other 120 sites were treated with photobiomodulation (PBM group), both in addition to SRP. At every timepoint, the following clinical indexes were assessed: Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) (measured on six sites per element), Plaque Index (PI), and Bleeding on Probing (BOP). As regards PPD, significant intergroup differences were noticed from T5, with significantly lower values in the PBM group (p < 0.05), where values further decreased at T6 (p < 0.05). Both PI and BoP generally decreased from baseline to T6 in both groups; a significant difference was found between T0 and T1 among the groups (p < 0.05), with a progressively higher reduction in the PBM group among the time frames of the study, despite intergroup comparisons not being significant (p > 0.05). Both ozone and PBM appear to be effective adjuvant treatments to SRP, obtaining a slightly better outcome for the latter in the long term, with significant differences at T5 and T6 for PPD. However, because of the absence of standardized protocols for PBM considering both therapeutic and research purposes, no definitive conclusions can be reached, and further studies are required.

"At-Home" Photobiomodulation: A New Approach for Bell's Palsy Treatment

Objective

This report is the first one to describe the possibility to use “self‐administered” photobiomodulation (PBM) for Bell's palsy (BP) treatment.

Background

BP is a peripheral disorder of the facial nerve causing sudden paralysis of unilateral facial muscles, and PBM has been successfully suggested for its treatment without any side effect. This is the first case report where a laser device was successfully used at home by the patient herself to treat BP opening new perspectives on the therapy of this disease.

Methods

This report describes the “at-home PBM” treatment performed on a 15-year-old girl who presented BP consisting of acute pain on the right side of her face, difficulty in biting and dripping saliva from the right side of her lips. The treatment was performed twice a day by cutaneous applications, each of 15 minutes (total fluence 48 J/cm²) in an area corresponding to the parotid gland by a device emitting at 808 nm at 250 mW output power.

Results

Two weeks after PBM treatment, performed at home twice a day by the patient herself without any kind of pharmacological therapy, the complete disappearing of the disease was noticed with no side effects.

Conclusion

With the limitations due to a single case report and with the need of further clinical trials to confirm it, “at-home PBM” seems to represent a good and safe approach to the treatment of BP.

Photobiomodulation to Treat Necrotizing Fasciitis

ABSTRACT

The spread of odontogenic infections associated with comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, can result in a potentially lethal complication, with rapid necrosis of the superficial fascia, necrotizing fasciitis. In this case report, a female patient, 52 years old, fasting blood glucose of 303 mg/dL with necrotizing fasciitis associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the left cervical-thoracic region. She was treated with antibiotics, cervicotomy, abscess drainage, and underwent 10 photobiomodulation sessions with 2 weekly applications of the red wavelength laser to correct tissue loss in the left cervical region. With the development of tissue healing, the formation of granulation tissue increased, absence of necrotic areas, contraction of the edges, and total wound repair. This case emphasizes the effectiveness of photobiomodulation to optimize healing and modulate the inflammatory pattern in the treatment of necrotizing fasciitis sequelae.

Viability of Photobiomodulaton Therapy in Decreasing Orthodontic-Related Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: To assess the viability of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in decreasing orthodontic-related pain after different orthodontic procedures. Methods: A computerized literature search was conducted within the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang, VIP, and CBM databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which used PBMT to relieve pain during orthodontic treatment. Particular inclusion and exclusion criteria were connected to recognize relevant articles. The information was extricated autonomously by two reviewers, and a quality assessment was carried out by utilizing the Cochrane Collaboration "risk of bias" tool. Meta-analysis was conducted with fixed- or random-effects models as suitable. Statistical heterogeneity was also examined. The RevMan 5.4 software was utilized for data analysis. Results: Of 1024 recognized articles, 25 RCT were at long last included. Within the risk-of-bias assessments, 1 study displayed a high risk, 22 an unclear risk, and 2 a low risk. The meta-analysis appeared that in patients treated with photobiomodulation (PBM) versus control there was a distinction in support of PBMT in placement of elastomeric separators, canine retraction, and archwire placement during 1 week. Conclusions: PBMT demonstrated to be effective in advancing a reduction pain after elastomeric separators placement, canine retraction, and archwire placement within 1 week. In the future, more high-quality research with consistency in research design is needed for further evaluation.

Photobiomodulation associated with sclerotherapy for treatment of hemangioma in the hard palate

Vascular changes frequently involve the head and neck region and hemagioma is the most common. A 61-year-old female patient complained of severe pain in the hard palate. A purple lesion was found, measuring 1.5 cm, sensitive to palpation, and with a history of hemorrhage. The patient was fully edentulous and her upper denture compressed the lesion site. Diascopy confirmed the lesion’s vascular origin. A diagnostic hypothesis of hemangioma was raised. In the first session, red laser light (660nm) was applied at 4 points around the lesion, with 0.5 J at each point, in order to obtain analgesia and trigger the repair process. The upper denture was also relined. In the second session, 2 mL of 5% monoethanolamine oleate was applied. After 14 days, total regression of the lesion was observed. Dental surgeons must be able to recognize, diagnose and treat vascular lesions in the oral cavity.

Assessment of Human Gingival Fibroblast Proliferation after Laser Stimulation In Vitro Using Different Laser Types and Wavelengths (1064, 980, 635, 450, and 405 nm)-Preliminary Report

PURPOSE

to assess the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) on human gingival fibroblast proliferation.

METHODS

The study was conducted using the primary cell cultures of human fibroblasts collected from systemically healthy donors. Three different laser types, Nd:YAG (1064 nm), infrared diode laser (980 nm), and prototype led laser emitting 405, 450, and 635 nm were used to irradiate the fibroblasts. Due to the patented structure of that laser, it was possible to irradiate fibroblasts with a beam combining two or three wavelengths. The energy density was 3 J/cm2, 25 J/cm2, 64 J/cm2. The viability and proliferation of cells were determined using the (Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Blue) (MTT) test conducted 24, 48, and 72 h after laser irradiation.

RESULTS

The highest percentage of mitochondrial activity (MA = 122.1%) was observed in the group irradiated with the 635 nm laser, with an energy density of 64 J/cm2 after 48 h. The lowest percentage of MA (94.0%) was observed in the group simultaneously irradiated with three wavelengths (405 + 450 + 635 nm). The use of the 405 nm laser at 25 J/cm2 gave similar results to the 635 nm laser.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of the 635 nm and 405 nm irradiation caused a statistically significant increase in the proliferation of gingival fibroblasts.

Effect of Photobiomodulation on Relapse in an Experimental Rapid Maxillary Expansion Model in Rat

Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is performed on transversely deficient maxilla. As all orthodontic treatments, retention is important in maintaining therapeutic outcomes. Fixed /removable retainers are used post-RME causing hygiene and compliance problems. Given photobiomodulation's positive effects on the quantity and quality of bone regeneration, its effect on post-RME relapse was studied. Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into group R, non-irradiated RME-treated (n = 12), group P, irradiated RME-treated (n = 12) and group C, non-RME non-irradiated (n = 6). A 1.5 mm metal ring inserted between maxillary incisors at days 0 and 15 was expanded until 1.5 mm space was obtained at day 30. In group P, Ga-Al-As diode laser (810 nm, 100 mW, 4J/cm² , 30 secs) was applied on days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 as predictor variable. The relapse was measured as the space lost between incisors for 30 days after appliance removal (primary outcome variable) and compared with t-test. In week 2, space loss in group P was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than all other groups. The relapse during weeks 2 and 3 was significantly lower in group P than group R. However, no significant difference in relapse amount was found between groups during first and fourth week. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between groups in relapse rates (secondary outcome variable) but not in total relapse after 4 weeks. Photobiomodulation proved beneficial in resisting relapse in our study, and it is suggested to be continued until the end of expansion.

Photobiomodulation Dose Parameters in Dentistry: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials examines a possible relationship between optical spot size at surface tissue, irradiance, radiant exposure, total energy delivered, operator technique and reported clinical outcomes. Background: Clinical photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy has achieved a high level of evidence-based acceptance in the mitigation of oral mucositis associated with cancer radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and supportive clinical research in relation to orthodontic tooth movement, oral medical conditions, including burning mouth syndrome, xerostomia and lichen planus. Inconsistent outcomes have been reported not withstanding a substantial body of primary supportive research from clinical, in vitro and animal studies. Materials and Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Database of Reviews and Google Scholar search engines were applied to identify human clinical trials of PBM therapy in clinical dentistry. A total of 766 articles between February 2009 and June 2020 were identified and following a full text evaluation, 38 papers with sufficient data to permit analyses are included in this investigation. Results: Following a detailed assessment of potential factors that may have an influence in clinical outcome, a clear trend is apparent associating optical spot size to a positive or negative effect. Furthermore, there is a clear difference in the reported results in relation to total energy applied, delivery techniques and optical parameters, which merits further investigation. Factorial statistical analyses identified an association between smaller optical surface applications and an overall lower level of reported clinical success in treating superficial and deeper targets, and correspondingly sub-surface larger target tissues were found to be more responsive to therapy by use of a larger optical surface spot size. Moreover, use of multiple small diameter probe applications was found to provide inconsistent results. Conclusions: Many factors can confound clinical success including variations in anatomy, site location, clinical condition and subject individuality. To achieve higher levels of predictable outcome, a mature appreciation of these factors, plus an expanded understanding of laser parametry, tissue volume and target depth to deliver an adequate dose within current recommended guidelines, is essential.

Auto-Administered Photobiomodulation on Diabetic Leg Ulcers Treatment: A New Way to Manage It?

Background

Peripheral arterial disease is a dramatic consequence of an uncontrolled diabetic condition causing an increase of morbidity and mortality and its treatment is currently medical or surgical, finally requiring, in the 7–20% of cases, major or minor amputation. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) is a laser treatment used in medicine, thanks to its ability to stimulate the wound healing, the acceleration of inflammatory process, and the modulation of pain. Recently, the self-administration of the treatment has been suggested for different purposes in medicine and dentistry with a great number of advantages and no side effects.

Methods

A 84-year-old woman affected by diabetes type 2 and positive for diabetes complications had diagnosis for an ulcerative lesion of 1 cm diameter on her right leg and started a treatment of the lesion applying the B-Cure Laser Pro (Erika Carmel, Haifa, Israel) on her own with a fluence per minute of 3.2 J/cm² for 2 sessions of 15 minutes by cutaneous application.

Results

After a week of treatment, the ulcer dried and crusted, finally providing complete healing after 30 days of treatment.

Conclusion

With this short case report, we think to add a further contribution by suggesting this kind of treatment for successful management of the leg ulcers in diabetic patients.

Photobiomodulation-Underlying Mechanism and Clinical Applications

The purpose of this study is to explore the possibilities for the application of laser therapy in medicine and dentistry by analyzing lasers' underlying mechanism of action on different cells, with a special focus on stem cells and mechanisms of repair. The interest in the application of laser therapy in medicine and dentistry has remarkably increased in the last decade. There are different types of lasers available and their usage is well defined by different parameters, such as: wavelength, energy density, power output, and duration of radiation. Laser irradiation can induce a photobiomodulatory (PBM) effect on cells and tissues, contributing to a directed modulation of cell behaviors, enhancing the processes of tissue repair. Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), can induce cell proliferation and enhance stem cell differentiation. Laser therapy is a non-invasive method that contributes to pain relief and reduces inflammation, parallel to the enhanced healing and tissue repair processes. The application of these properties was employed and observed in the treatment of various diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, brain injury, spinal cord damage, dermatological conditions, oral irritation, and in different areas of dentistry.

Photobiomodulation and Pain Reduction in Patients Requiring Orthodontic Band Application: Randomized Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Photobiomodulation (PBM) in managing orthodontic pain intensity over time in patients requiring band application on upper first molars.

METHODS

Maxillary first molars were banded. In the trial group, each molar received single-session PBM on two buccal and two palatal points (λ = 830 ± 10 nm; 150 mW, 7.5 J/cm2; spot of 0.1 cm2; 5 sec per point), while the control group received a placebo treatment. All patients were asked to answer five pain rating scales to assess pain intensity at 5 minutes and 1, 12, 24, and 72 hours and completed a survey describing the type of pain and its temporal course in the next 7 days.

RESULTS

26 patients (mean age 11.8 years) were randomly assigned to a control or a trial group. The trial group showed significantly lower pain intensities (p < 0.05) at 5 min (M = 0.92, SD = 1.32), 1 h (M = 0.77, SD = 1.01), and 12 h (M = 0.77, SD = 1.54) after band application compared to the control group (5 min: M = 1.62, SD = 1.26; 1 h: M = 1.77, SD = 1.92; and 12 h: M = 1.77, SD = 2.17), whereas no difference between groups (p > 0.05) was found at 24 h (trial: M = 0.62, SD = 1.71; control: M = 1.08, SD = 1.75) and 72 h (trial: M = 0.31, SD = 0.75; control: M = 0.15, SD = 0.55). Patients in the control group reported more frequently the presence of "compressive pain" (58.8%, p < 0.05) from the appliance during the week after the application, while the trial group showed higher frequency of "no pain" (46.2%, p < 0.05). However, PBM did not affect the pain onset (trial: M = 10.86, SD = 26.97; control: M = 5.25, SD = 7.86), peak (trial: M = 15.86, SD = 26.29; control: 6.17, SD = 7.96), and end time (trial: 39.57, SD = 31.33; control: M = 22.02, SD = 25.42) reported by the two groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

PBM might be considered a promising alternative to decrease general pain intensity, although not affecting the typical pain cycle, in terms of the onset, peak, and ending times.