Low-level laser therapy in dentistry

Abstract

Introduction: Dental pain leads to reduced daily activities and poor quality of life, low level laser therapy (LLLT) is considered a recent technique in the dental field. Objective: To analyze the literature about the use of LLLT, its applications for pain control, inflammation and the controversy of its benefits in the different branches of dentistry such as Endodontics, Periodontics, Orthodontics and Photobiomodulation. Methodology: An extensive literature search was carried out in the PubMed, SCOPUS and Google Scholar databases, analyzing the keywords: LLLT, laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, phototherapy. Results: Post-endodontic treatment pain manifests itself after root canal treatment, but the use of LLLT promotes analgesia, modulation of the inflammatory process, as well as healing of the surrounding tissues. Pain could be considered a major concern in orthodontic practice, the application of the LLLT to accelerate tooth movement is applied immediately after the application of force. Photodynamic therapy is a new alternative therapy in periodontal treatments, since it presents antimicrobial effects, elimination of endotoxins secreted by microorganisms and reduces the biological activity of cells responsible for the production of proinflammatory cytokines. At present, photobiomodulation is one of the fastest growing areas in biomedical science, laser light and LED induce an effect to accelerate healing, ATP synthesis and improve the differentiation capacity of cells. Conclusion:In the area of dentistry, the therapeutic laser has biostimulating properties causing that posttreatment pain and surgical procedures present a significant decrease.