Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Irradiation in Reducing Pain and Accelerating Socket Healing After Undisturbed Tooth Extraction

Abstract Introduction: This study aimed to determine the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on reducing complications following tooth extraction.Methods: This randomized clinical trial consisted of ۴۰ subjects who underwent lower molar extraction. The patients were randomly assigned to ۴ groups. Group ۱ was irradiated with a ۶۶۰ nm laser (۲۰۰ mW, ۳۰ seconds radiation to lingual, buccal and occlusal surfaces of the socket, ۶ J/area). In group ۲, an ۸۱۰ nm laser was applied similar to group ۱. In group ۳, a combination of ۶۶۰ and ۸۱۰ nm lasers was used. The patients in group ۴ served as a placebo group. LLLT was performed after ۰.۵-۱ hour of extraction and ۲ days later. The participants were asked to record pain degree using a visual analogue scale (VAS) over ۷ days. The amount of wound healing was evaluated on the third and seventh days.Results: There was no significant difference in pain scores among the groups at any of the assessment intervals (P > ۰.۰۵). The between-group differences in wound healing scores were small and insignificant (P > ۰.۰۵).Conclusion: LLLT with ۶۶۰ nm or ۸۱۰ nm lasers or their combination had no greater effect than the placebo laser for reducing the complications of tooth extraction. Keywords: Laser therapy low-level light therapy Pain tooth extraction Wound healing.