Laser acupuncture in the treatment of neuropathies in dentistry: a systematic review

Abstract

Laser acupuncture can be used to treat neurosensory alterations and motor disorders caused by dental treatments. This study aimed to review the existing literature on the effects of laser acupuncture on neuropathies in the context of dentistry and to search for treatment modalities in which this technique is used. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and the PICOS strategy. Randomized clinical trials that evaluated laser acupuncture as a primary intervention for facial neuropathy were included. We searched the database for relevant studies and manually searched the gray literature until April 2022, and finally included four studies. The study was considered eligible if it included patients with paresthesia, facial paralysis, or neuralgia, neuropathies within dentistry, and referred to the application of laser acupuncture as a treatment method. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 tool. It was observed that the recommended wavelengths ranged from 790 nm to 810 nm, with a frequency of at least two applications per week, and to a greater or lesser degree, all evaluated studies obtained an improvement in sensory or motor recovery of the facial nerves. The use of laser acupuncture presented itself as a viable alternative in dentistry for the treatment of paresthesia and facial paralysis due to its therapeutic potential in neuropathic treatment (CRD42022344339).

Efficacy of acupuncture-related therapy in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…Laser acupuncture involves irradiating acupoint skin with a low-intensity laser beam, producing various effects that penetrate deep into body tissues to treat diseases with anti-inflammatory and analgesic functions [ 114 , 115 ]. As a non-invasive, painless, safe, and effective method [ 116 , 117 ], laser acupuncture has been primarily used to treat neurological diseases [ 118 ], knee osteoarthritis [ 119 ], and functional constipation [ 120 ], but its application in treating PD remains limited. The scope of treatment with laser acupuncture and Mo still requires comprehensive and multi-level research.…”

Laser acupuncture and photobiomodulation therapy in Bell’s palsy with a duration of greater than 8 weeks: a randomized controlled trial

“…Currently, there is very few treatments for Bell’s palsy over 8 weeks other than recover naturally [ 1 ]. Acupuncture plays an important role in regulating “Qi and blood” in treating Bell’s Palsy, and the scientific mechanisms of acupuncture have been proven to be through multiple targets and multiple systems [ 20 , 31 , 32 ] and laser acupuncture and acupuncture show to have at least similar efficacy [ 33 – 35 ]. Therefore, our intervention included PBMT in affected side, and acupoints in abdomen, upper extremities and lower extremities in this study.…”

Acupuncture: New Uses for an Ancient Treatment or a Waste of Time? Part II

“…12 Other research examined laser acupuncture in the management of neurosensory alterations and motor disorders caused by dental treatment. 13 After a search of databases up to April 2022, 4 studies were identified. Risk of bias was included.…”