Non-surgical management of a large facial antibioma with photobiomodulation as a therapeutic adjunct: A case report

Abstract

The injudicious overuse of antibiotics has led to a worldwide rise in antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Apart from antibiotic resistance and misuse of resources, inappropriate use of antibiotics also increases the possibility of potentially fatal anaphylactic reactions and makes patients vulnerable to unwarranted side effects. Sometimes, prolonged and unnecessary use of these antibiotics, either by the treating dentist or by the patient, combined with improper drainage of the pulpal canal, may lead to the formation of a tough fibrous swelling known as antibioma. The most commonly reported treatment modality for antibioma is surgical excision and extraction of the tooth involved. However, the present case reports a non-surgical management of a large facial antibioma using photobiomodulation (PBM) (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, 1064 nm) for management of an antibioma developed in relation to a long-standing chronic apical periodontitis in mandibular molar.