Is Low-Level Laser Therapy Effective in the Management of Pain and Swelling After Mandibular Third Molar Surgery?

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on decreasing pain and swelling after removal of impacted third molars. This randomized, double-blinded, split-mouth study included patients presenting 2 symmetrically impacted mandibular third molars. In each participant, one side was randomly assigned to laser treatment and the other side received placebo. LLLT was performed by intraoral application of a 660-nm laser (200mW, 6J per point at 4 points) followed by extraoral application of an 810-nm laser (200mW, 6J per point at 3 points). Irradiation at the 810-nm wavelength was repeated on days 2 and 4 after surgery. On the control side, the treatment protocol was similar to the experimental side, but with laser simulation. The main outcomes were the degree of pain during the next 7days and the edema coefficients on days 2, 4, and 7 after surgery. Data were analyzed using generalized linear models to determine the effect of group and time on pain level and edema coefficients. The final sample consisted of 40 patients. Pain level was significantly lower in the laser than in the placebo side at all time points during the experiment (P < .05). Swelling was significantly lower in the laser than in the placebo group on days 2, 4, and 7 after surgery (P < .05). LLLT proved effective in decreasing the intensity of pain and swelling after removal of impacted third molars and can be recommended to alleviate patients' symptoms after surgery.