The evaluation of photobiomodulation by 980 nm diode laser on postoperative complications after third molar surgery

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study is to figure out how effective 980 nm diode laser is to reduce post surgical complications of impacted mandibular third molar tooth . Material and Methods : This randomized, double-blind clinical trial is performed on 30 patients who were randomly divided into two groups. In the case group, the diode laser was irradiated in two regions extraorally and four regions intraorally. Each region received a thirty-second irradiation with a wavelength of 980 nm and power of 500 mW, immediately after operation while the control group was exposed to the inactive irradiation of the same laser. The severity of pain, swellings, mouth opening, and patients' quality of life were evaluated. Data is analyzed by Independent two-sample t test, Fisher´s exact test and Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: On the seventh day of study, the case group received both a significantly lower mean score of functional limitation, physical discomfort domains and a lower total score of Oral Health Impact Profile 14-questionnaire rather than the control group (Respectively P=0.011, P=0.027, p=0.032). However, the mean score related to pain, swellings, trismus and other domains of OHIP-14 wasn't much varied between the two groups throughout the study period. (P>0.05) Conclusion: Although irradiating PBM after impacted mandibular third molar surgery isn't effective to reduce side effects such as pain, swellings and trismus it seems to improve the quality of life related to functional limitation and physical discomfort.