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Low level laser therapy in dentistry

Treatment methods that can reduce pain or stimulate tissue healing are of great interest in dentistry. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a local application of a monochromatic, narrow-band, coherent light source. The action of LLLT is controversial, but one observation is that the laser seems to modulate various metabolic processes in biological tissues by conversion of the laser light energy input into energy useful to cells. It has also been proposed that photodynamic therapy with laser light has an antibacterial effect.

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SBU Enquiry Service

Consists of structured literature searches to highlight studies that can address questions received by the SBU Enquiry Service from Swedish healthcare or social service providers. We assess the risk of bias in systematic reviews and when needed also quality and transferability of results in health economic studies. Relevant references are compiled by an SBU staff member, in consultation with an external expert when needed.

Question

What evidence is available for the use of low level laser therapy in dentistry to reduce pain or stimulate healing?

Identified literature

  1. Najeeb S, Khurshid Z, Zohaib S, Najeeb B, Qasim SB, Zafar MS. Management of recurrent aphthous ulcers using low-level lasers: A systematic review. Medicina (Kaunas) 2016;52:263-268.
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  8. Akram Z, Javed F, Hosein M, Al-Qahtani MA, Alshehri F, Alzahrani AI, et al. Photodynamic therapy in the treatment of symptomatic oral lichen planus: A systematic review. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2017.
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  43. Xue D, Tang L, Bai Y, Ding Q, Wang P, Zhao Y. Clinical efficacy of photodynamic therapy adjunctive to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy 2017;18:119-127.
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  46. Al-Hamoudi N, Author A, Department of Periodontics a, Community Dentistry KSURSA. Is antimicrobial photodynamic therapy an effective treatment for chronic periodontitis in diabetes mellitus and cigarette smokers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy 2017;19:375-382.
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  48. Chen J, Huang Z, Ge M, Gao M. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the treatment of TMDs: a meta-analysis of 14 randomised controlled trials. J Oral Rehabil 2015;42:291-9.
  49. Maia ML, Bonjardim LR, Quintans Jde S, Ribeiro MA, Maia LG, Conti PC. Effect of low-level laser therapy on pain levels in patients with temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review. J Appl Oral Sci 2012;20:594-602.
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  52. Tengrungsun T, Mitriattanakul S, Buranaprasertsuk P, Suddhasthir T. Is low level laser effective for the treatment of orofacial pain?: A systematic review. Cranio 2012;30:280-5.
  53. Deana NF, Zaror C, Sandoval P, Alves N, Author A, Master Program in Dentistry F, et al. Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Reducing Orthodontic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pain Research and Management 2017;2017 Article Number: 8560652.
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  55. Li FJ, Zhang JY, Zeng XT, Guo Y. Low-level laser therapy for orthodontic pain: a systematic review. Lasers Med Sci 2015;30:1789-803.
  56. Ren C, McGrath C, Yang Y. The effectiveness of low-level diode laser therapy on orthodontic pain management: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lasers Med Sci 2015;30:1881-93.
  57. Shi Q, Yang S, Jia F, Xu J. Does low level laser therapy relieve the pain caused by the placement of the orthodontic separators?--A meta-analysis. Head Face Med 2015;11:28.
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Irene Edebert and Laura Lintamo at SBU.

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