Photobiomodulation in oral medicine: a review

Abstract

Photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in dentistry is an evolving science, with an increasing number of controlled clinical studies exploring its potential as a treatment modality. The present study provides an outline of the biologic mechanism of PBM and summarizes the findings of clinical studies of PBM for specific applications in oral medicine. Controversies and drawbacks associated with PBM, which require further research, are also identified. Current literature reports the potential of PBM in various applications in oral medicine. Furthermore, well-documented research confirms its efficacy in certain conditions, such as oral mucositis, recurrent herpes simplex infection, and burning mouth syndrome. The absence of any reported adverse effects is an advantage over conventional therapeutic modalities. While PBM has proved to be effective for some specific applications, it is not a panacea. The paucity in standardized studies, coupled with ambiguity over the laser parameters, has limited its credibility as a therapeutic modality.

Phototherapy on the Treatment of Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Prospective Analysis of 20 Cases

“…Currently, many studies show that phototherapy with low power lasers can promote analgesia, cell biomodulation, fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis and regeneration of bone and nerve tissues, with significant clinical and histological changes on irradiated biological tissues during the inflammatory and healing processes . With the use of laser phototherapy on the treatment of BMS, symptoms of burning are reported to decrease, providing pain relief and control of the inflammatory process . Recent studies have shown that the therapeutic effects can be reported by the patient immediately after the irradiation .…”

“…With the use of laser phototherapy on the treatment of BMS, symptoms of burning are reported to decrease, providing pain relief and control of the inflammatory process . Recent studies have shown that the therapeutic effects can be reported by the patient immediately after the irradiation . Also, laser acupuncture (660 nm) has also been reported showing that the technique might be useful in patients with BMS .…”

Actualités de la prévention et du traitement des mucites orales chez les enfants cancéreux : recommandations pratiques

“…Elle reste à ce jour une complication fréquente et invalidante chez les enfants de la chimioradiothéra-pie des cancers de la tête et du cou et de la transplantation de cellules souches hématopoïétiques [1,3]. Sa prise en charge reste une préoccupation majeure en cas de survenue aussi bien pour le médecin que le patient.…”

“…Les enfants sont les plus touchés car leur épithélium a un taux mitotique plus élevé. Plusieurs approches thérapeutiques pour la traiter ont été utilisées, mais, aucune intervention n'a été en mesure de prévenir et de traiter elle-même les mucites orales [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Ceci risque d'engager le pronostic vital des enfants cancé-reux nécessitant un traitement leur maladie.…”

Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Brief Review

“…Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation is a non-drug, non-invasive clinical application that has been used for treatment of inflammatory disorders (10). It has potential analgesics, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating and biostimulating effects (12). It has demonstrated several therapeutic effects that can be used for treatment of burning sensation induced by BMS.…”