Role of low-level laser therapy in treatment of orofacial pain: A systematic review

Abstract

Lasers have gained an upper hand in almost every field of dentistry. Utilization of lowlevel laser therapy (LLLT) which uses a power of <500 mW have matured over time. Its advantages surpass its pitfalls and hardly have any contraindications. Low lasers interact photo-chemically leading to a change in the biochemical and molecular processes that normally occur in tissues such as healing or repair without the thermal effects, a process called bio-stimulation. It has been implied that low power lasers affects cellular metabolic processes and promotes beneficial biological effects such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and healing. Research suggests an analgesic effect, through the central release of serotonin and acetylcholine, and peripheral release of histamine and prostaglandins, with the use of LLLT. LLLT improve endorphin release and thereby impede nociceptive signals and control pain mediators. This article aims to review the interesting clinical applications of LLLT in different orofacial pain conditions in details so that we can help patients to live a pain-free life.

Laser Application for Management of Traumatic Ulcers Following Local Anesthesia in Children

“…LLLT has been found to act on m i t o c h o n d r i a , thus enhancing the synthesis of ATP a n d p r o m o t i n g t issue repair. [12] It also has neuropharmacologic effects and cause release of a range of neurochemicals including histamine, serotonin and acetylcholine that produce an analgesic effect and anti-inflammatory effects [13] It has been observed that LLLT decreases the permeability of the lymph vessels and can also stimulate lymph vessel collaterals. [14] The present case reports shows that lasers are effective, rapid, simple and bloodless procedure although the routine treatment includes antiinflammatory like corticosteroids, amlexanox and metalloprotease inhibitors and/or symptomatic therapy.…”