Comparative clinical effects of extraoral photobiomodulation using laser and LED on pain, swelling, and quality of life following impacted mandibular third molar surgery: a randomized split-mouth trial.

The efficacy of low-level laser therapy versus paracetamol–caffeine in controlling orthodontic separation pain and changes in the oral-health-related quality of life in Class I malocclusions: A 3-arm, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Do Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy and Low-Level Laser Therapy Influence Oral Health-Related Quality of Life After Molar Extraction?

Low-Level Laser and Light Therapy After Total Knee Arthroplasty Improves Postoperative Pain and Functional Outcomes: A Three-Arm Randomized Clinical Trial

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for reducing pain in hyperglycemic and normoglycemic patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery with internal mammary artery grafts. This study was conducted on 120 volunteers who underwent elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The volunteers were randomly allocated to four different groups of equal size (n = 30): control, placebo, LLLT [λ = 640 nm and spatial average energy fluence (SAEF) = 1.06 J/cm(2)], and LED (λ = 660 ± 20 nm and SAEF = 0.24 J/cm(2)). Participants were also divided into hyperglycemic and normoglycemic subgroups, according to their fasting blood glucose test result before surgery. The outcome assessed was pain during coughing by a visual analog scale (VAS) and the McGill Pain Questionnaire. The patients were followed for 1 month after the surgery. The LLLT and LED groups showed a greater decrease in pain, with similar results, as indicated by both the VAS and the McGill questionnaire (p ≤ 0.05), on the 6th and 8th postoperative day compared with the placebo and control groups. The outcomes were also similar between hyperglycemic and normoglycemic patients. One month after the surgery, almost no individual reported pain during coughing. LLLT and LED had similar analgesic effects in hyperglycemic and normoglycemic patients, better than placebo and control groups.

Background and objectives: Diode laser has been the most popular low-level laser therapy (LLLT) technique in dentistry due to its good tissue penetration, lower financial costs, small size for portable application, and convenience to use. A series of recent studies with 940 nm or 980 nm lasers demonstrated that LLLT showed positive effects after third molar extraction or periodontal flap surgery. However, the effects of LLLT on intraoral mucosal wound healing after surgical incision have not yet been determined in human clinical study. Materials and Methods: The present study was performed to determine the efficacy and safety of 915 nm wavelength low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in mucosal wound healing. A total of 108 Sprague–Dawley rats were used. They were divided into three groups: Abrasive wound group, immediate LLLT once group, and daily LLLT group. As a clinical study, a total of 16 patients with split-mouth design subjected to bilateral mandibular third molar extraction were allocated into the LLLT group and placebo group. The process of LLLT was performed on postoperative days 0, 1, and 7, and parameters related to wound healing were analyzed on days 1, 7, and 14. Results: Repeated laser irradiation promoted mucosal wound healing of the rats. In the clinical study, although there were no significant statistical differences between the LLLT and placebo groups in all inflammatory parameters, the early stage mucosal healing tendency of wound dehiscence was higher in the LLLT group than in the placebo group clinically on postoperative day 1. Conclusions: The present results showed that 915 nm LLLT could be applied safely as an auxiliary therapy for mucosal wound healing.

Introduction: Chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (COM) is a common, debilitating complication of cancer therapy. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on prevention of COM in patients with hematologic malignancies. Methods: Fifty-five patients hospitalized to undergo chemotherapy in Imam Hospital were included into the study. These patients were divided into two groups. The oral cavity of the patients were illuminated by continues laser beam using a GaAlAs laser device with wavelength of 630 nm, power output 30 mW, and dose of 5 J/cm 2 for six days (LLLT group). The patients in the second group underwent placebo irradiation (power output equal to zero) with the similar protocol. The severity of the COM was clinically evaluated based on WHO grading scale. The patientys’ quality of life was assessed before and after the intervention according to EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Results: The incidence of COM in LLLT group (31%) was less than the placebo group (41%). Mean duration of COM healing was 4.8 and 12 days in LLLT and placebo groups, respectively (p=0.03). Xereostomia was significantly less severe in LLLT group in comparison with the placebo group (p=0.007). Conclusion: Our findings showed that LLLT significantly reduced the incidence of oral mucositis of WHO grade 3 and 4 as the most debilitating form of oral mucositis, in which oral alimentation is impossible. Also, LLLT could reduce duration of oral mucositis, decreased the risk of secondary infection, and accelerated return to normal nutrition. Lasers; Laser Therapy, Low Level; Mucositis, Oral; Chemotherapy; Quality of life; Disease Management; therapy; Prophylaxis

The aim of this study was to compare the rate of tooth displacement, quantity of root resorption, and alveolar bone changes in five groups: corticopuncture (CP), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), CP combined with LLLT (CP + LLLT), control (C), and negative control (NC). A total of 60 half-maxilla from 30 male Wistar rats (10weeks old) were divided randomly into five groups: three (CP, LLLT, and CP + LLLT) test groups with different stimulation for accelerated-tooth-movement (ATM), one control (C) group, and one negative control (NC) group with no tooth movement. Nickel-titanium coil springs with 50g of force were tied from the upper left and right first molars to micro-implants placed behind the maxillary incisors. For the CP and CP + LLLT groups, two perforations in the palate and one mesially to the molars were performed. For the LLLT and CP + LLLT groups, GaAlAs diode laser was applied every other day for 14days (810nm, 100mW, 15s). The tooth displacements were measured directly from the rat's mouth and indirectly from microcomputer (micro-CT) tomographic images. Bone responses at the tension and compression sites and root resorption were analyzed from micro-CT images. The resulting alveolar bone responses were evaluated by measuring bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), and trabecular thickness (TbTh). Root resorption crater volumes were measured on both compression and tension sides of mesial and distal buccal roots. The tooth displacement in the CP + LLLT group was the greatest when measured clinically, followed by the CP, LLLT, and control groups (C and NC), respectively (p <0.05). The tooth movements measured from micro-CT images showed statistically higher displacement in the CP and CP + LLLT groups compared to the LLLT and control groups. The BMD, BV/TV, and TbTh values were lower at the compression side and higher at the tension side for all three test groups compared to the control group. The root resorption crater volume of the distal buccal root was higher in the control group, followed by CP, LLLT, and CP + LLLT, mostly at the compression site. Combining corticopuncture and low-level laser therapy (CP + LLLT) produced more tooth displacement and less root resorption at the compression side. The combined technique also promoted higher alveolar bone formation at the tension side.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) treatment before knee extensor eccentric exercise on indirect markers of muscle damage. Thirty-six healthy men were randomized in LLLT group (n = 18) and placebo group (n = 18). After LLLT or placebo treatment, subjects performed 75 maximal knee extensors eccentric contractions (five sets of 15 repetitions; velocity = 60° seg(-1); range of motion = 60°). Muscle soreness (visual analogue scale--VAS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) levels were measured prior to exercise, and 24 and 48 h after exercise. Muscle function (maximal voluntary contraction--MVC) was measured before exercise, immediately after, and 24 and 48 h post-exercise. Groups had no difference on kineanthropometric characteristics and on eccentric exercise performance. They also presented similar baseline values of VAS (0.00 mm for LLLT and placebo groups), LDH (LLLT = 186 IU/l; placebo = 183 IU/l), CK (LLLT = 145 IU/l; placebo = 155 IU/l) and MVC (LLLT = 293 Nm; placebo = 284 Nm). VAS data did not show group by time interaction (P = 0.066). In the other outcomes, LLLT group presented (1) smaller increase on LDH values 48 h post-exercise (LLLT = 366 IU/l; placebo = 484 IU/l; P = 0.017); (2) smaller increase on CK values 24 h (LLLT = 272 IU/l; placebo = 498 IU/l; P = 0.020) and 48 h (LLLT = 436 IU/l; placebo = 1328 IU/l; P < 0.001) post-exercise; (3) smaller decrease on MVC immediately after exercise (LLLT = 189 Nm; placebo = 154 Nm; P = 0.011), and 24 h (LLLT = 249 Nm; placebo = 205 Nm; P = 0.004) and 48 h (LLLT = 267 Nm; placebo = 216 Nm; P = 0.001) post-exercise compared with the placebo group. In conclusion, LLLT treatment before eccentric exercise was effective in terms of attenuating the increase of muscle proteins in the blood serum and the decrease in muscle force.

BackgroundPain and clicking are the primary complaints in patients suffering from temporomandibular joint disc displacement with reduction (DDwR), negatively affecting the patients' quality of life, making the treatment essential. This prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of botulinum toxin type-A (BTX-A) and low level laser therapy (LLLT) in comparison to anterior repositioning appliance (ARA) for the treatment of DDwR.MethodsA total of 27 patients were randomly allocated to 3 groups; ARA (control group), BTX-A, and LLLT; with 9 patients each. All patients were evaluated before and 3 months after the treatment using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).ResultsAt 3 months follow-up, all groups showed a significant reduction in pain assessed by VAS (P = 0.007). Measured on MRI, there was a significant improvement in disc position and joint space index (JSI) in BTX-A group (P < 0.001, P = 0.011) and LLLT group (P = 0.002, P = 0.017) in comparison to the control group (P = 0.087, P = 0.066) respectively. As for time of recovery, a statistically significant difference was observed in BTX-A group (P < 0.001) and LLLT (P < 0.001) group in comparison to ARA group, which showed the most prolonged duration for reduction of DDwR symptoms.ConclusionWe concluded that BTX-A and LLLT could be considered effective alternative treatment modalities to ARA regarding reducing joint pain, clicking, and improving disc position in patients with symptomatic DDwR.Trial registrationThis prospective double-blinded RCT has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with identification number: NCT05194488, 18/1/2022.

We aimed to compare the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in the treatment of plantar fasciitis (PF). Seventy patients were randomized into either the LLLT (8 men, 27 women; mean age 48.65 ± 10.81years) or HILT (7 men, 28 women; mean age 48.73 ± 11.41years) groups. LLLT (904nm) and HILT (1064nm) were performed three times per week, over a period of 3weeks. Each treatment combined with silicone insole and stretching exercises. Patients' pain and functional status were evaluated with Visual Analog Scale, Heel Tenderness Index, and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score before and after treatment. A chi-square test was performed to compare demographic and clinical characteristics. Within-group and between-group differences were also investigated. Paired samples t test was used to analyze the differences between baseline and after treatment values, while independent samples t test was used to compare the two groups. Both groups contained similar demographic characteristics including age, sex, and body mass index (all p > 0.05). Three and two patients in the HILT and LLLT group, respectively, were lost to follow-up. At the study onset, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the Visual Analog Scale, Heel Tenderness Index, and Foot And Ankle Outcome Scores. Three weeks later, both groups showed significant improvement in all parameters (p < 0.05). The HILT group demonstrated better improvement in all parameters than the LLLT group. Although both treatments improved the pain levels, function, and quality of life in patients with PF, HILT had a more significant effect than LLLT.

Background:Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) are effective in alleviating pain and improving functionality in patients with adhesive capsulitis (AC); however, no study has compared the efficacy of these two laser treatments.Objective:To compare the effectiveness of LLLT and HILT in improving the shoulder joint range of motion and functional status and in reducing pain level in patients with AC.Trial Design:Prospective, randomized, parallel group, patient- and assessor-blinded.Methods:A total of 45 patients (aged: 18–65 years) with complaint of shoulder pain were evaluated for inclusion criteria, which included being aged 18–65 years and a diagnosis of AC based on physical examinations. Using computer-generated random numbers, eligible patients were randomized into two groups: HILT + stretching exercise and LLLT + stretching exercise groups. Both HILT and LLLT were performed three times/week for 3 weeks. Functional status and pain of the patients were evaluated with Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS), while shoulder joint range of motion was measured with goniometry. All assessments were done before and 3 weeks after treatment.Results:A total of 40 patients (20 in each group) completed the study. At baseline, there was no statistically significant difference in the demographic and clinical characteristics between both groups. Both the LLLT and HILT groups showed significant improvement in the VAS and SPADI scores 3 weeks after treatment; however, the improvement was significantly higher in the HILT group than the LLLT group. There was no significant improvement in goniometric scores in both groups compared with baseline. No injury or other musculoskeletal complications were recorded during or after the treatments.Conclusion:HILT + stretching exercise treatment was more effective than LLLT + stretching exercise for improving functional parameters and pain in patients with AC.Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05469672.Funding:None

Efficacy of photodynamic therapy or low level laser therapy against steroid therapy in the treatment of erosive-atrophic oral lichen planus.

This study aimed to determine the combined treatment effects of Mulligan sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAGs) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on function, pain, and range of motion (ROM) in patients with chronic low back pain. A total of 49 adults participated in this study and were randomly divided into three groups (SNAGs with LLLT group, SNAGs group, and control group). The participants in the SNAGs with LLLT group received SNAGs for 10 min, LLLT for 10 min, and electrotherapy for 10 min. The SNAGs group received SNAGs for 10 min and electrotherapy for 20 min. The control group received electrotherapy for 30 min. All participants received the assigned treatment for 30 min a day, 3 times a week, for 4 weeks. We used the visual analogue scale (VAS) to measure pain, the modified-modified Schober test (MMST) to measure ROM, and the Roland Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ) to measure physical disability. Compared to the pre-intervention values, the VAS and MMST scores significantly increased after the intervention in the SNAGs with LLLT group (p = 0.000) and the SNAGs group (p = 0.000). The RMDQ score significantly improved in the SNAGs with LLLT (p = 0.000), SNAGs (p = 0.000) and control (p = 0.025) group after the intervention. The inter-group differences were greater for the SNAGs with LLLT and SNAGs groups than for the control group (p = 0.001), and the difference was greater for the SNAGs with LLLT than for the SNAGs (p = 0.001) with respect to the VAS, MMST, and RMDQ scores. These results indicate that significant improvement in pain, function, and ROM may be achieved by a combination of SNAGs and LLLT to treat chronic low back pain.

Non-surgical adjunctive interventions for accelerating tooth movement in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment (Review)

Background and purpose Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and concurrent infections are the most frequent complications in patients with diabetes mellitus. Both low-level laser therapy (LLLT), photobiomodulation (PBM), and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) promote the healing of wounds. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of LLLT versus HBOT on the healing of chronic DFU. Patients and methods: Seventy-five patients with chronic diabetic ulcers aged ranging from 40–65 years were recruited and assigned randomly into three groups. HBOT group received 100% pure oxygen 2.5 ATA delivered for 60 min per session for 30 sessions (5 sessions per week for 6 successive weeks). LLLT group received GaAlAs diode laser producing a total power output of 1440 mW with following wavelengths: 5 × 850 nm (200 mW), 12 × 670 nm (10 mW),8 × 880 nm (25 mW), and 8 × 950 nm (15 mW); the energy density (fluency) was adjusted for 4 J/cm2 with a pulse frequency of 10 kHz. Each session lasted 8 min every two days. The control group received conventional wound care only (wound cleansing twice daily using saline or similar dressing). Both LLLT and HBOT groups received conventional wound care in addition to their program. Measurements for ulcer surface area (USA; transparency method) and ulcer volume (volumetric method) were performed before starting the study and in the second, fourth, and sixth-weeks post-treatment. Results: Within group comparisons demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in USA and ulcer volume in both HBOT and LLLT groups (p-value = 0.0001 in all measurements). The multiple comparisons between groups for USA, there was insignificant difference between HBOT and LLLT groups after 2-, 4-, and 6-weeks (p-value = 0.48, 0.813, and 0.629, respectively), while for ulcer volume, there was a statistically significant difference in favor of the LLLT group only after 2- and 4-weeks (p = 0.037 and 0.042, respectively) while an insignificant difference after 6-weeks (p-value = 0.911). Conclusion: Both LLLT and HBOT accelerate healing in chronic DFU, but the LLLT is more favorable in decreasing ulcer volume after during the first 4-weeks.