Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure, but it often leads to pain, swelling, and delayed wound healing. In recent years, photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), has shown promise in reducing post-operative discomfort and accelerating tissue repair. Several studies have explored the effectiveness of PBMT in dental extraction therapy, including both clinical and animal research. This article summarizes recent findings from peer-reviewed studies and explains how PBMT helps manage pain and improve recovery.
Reducing Pain After Tooth Extraction
One of the major challenges following a tooth extraction is managing pain. A clinical study by Sourvanos et al. (2023) demonstrated that PBMT significantly reduced post-surgical pain among patients who had teeth removed. Patients treated with PBMT reported less pain during the first 72 hours after surgery, especially in the first 24 hours. The authors concluded that PBMT has a valuable role as a non-invasive method for pain control after dental extractions.
Speeding Up Wound Healing
Wound healing is another area where PBMT offers advantages. The study by Özer and İnci (2024) evaluated the impact of PBMT on primary molar extraction wounds in children. They observed significantly faster wound closure in patients who received laser therapy compared to those who did not. Similarly, the research by Daigo et al. (2020a) used a rat model and showed that PBMT not only promoted faster healing of the extraction socket but also reduced inflammation and improved bone formation.
Supporting Stem Cells and Tissue Repair
PBMT also appears to influence cell dynamics at the wound site. According to Daigo et al. (2020a), laser therapy stimulated the activity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), which play a critical role in regenerating tissue and bone. The researchers noted an increase in markers associated with cell proliferation and differentiation. This means PBMT not only helps with faster closure of the wound but also supports long-term tissue regeneration.
Combining High-Intensity Laser and PBMT
Some researchers have looked at combining high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) with PBMT to enhance outcomes. Daigo et al. (2020b) investigated this approach and found that using both methods improved the preservation of the extraction socket. The combination treatment led to better results in terms of soft tissue healing and bone maintenance, showing that a multi-modal laser approach may be more effective in some cases.
Beyond Tooth Extractions: Broader Use in Maxillofacial Injuries
PBMT is not limited to dental extractions. Alam et al. (2024) reviewed the role of PBMT in treating common maxillofacial injuries. They concluded that laser therapy shows promise in enhancing soft tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and minimizing discomfort in a variety of oral and facial procedures. This broadens the potential of PBMT in dentistry and oral surgery.
Conclusion
Photobiomodulation therapy offers a non-invasive, drug-free option to reduce pain and accelerate healing after tooth extraction. As shown in both clinical and animal studies, PBMT helps patients recover more comfortably and faster by supporting wound healing, promoting stem cell activity, and reducing inflammation. The addition of high-intensity laser or its use in broader maxillofacial care further enhances its value. As more evidence accumulates, PBMT is likely to become a routine part of post-extraction dental care.
References：
Sourvanos D, Lander B, Sarmiento H, Carroll J, Hall RD, Zhu TC, Fiorellini JP. (2023). Photobiomodulation in dental extraction therapy: Postsurgical pain reduction and wound healing. J Am Dent Assoc, 154(7), 567-579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2023.03.004
Daigo Y, Daigo E, Fukuoka H, Fukuoka N, Ishikawa M, Takahashi K. (2020a). Wound Healing and Cell Dynamics Including Mesenchymal and Dental Pulp Stem Cells Induced by Photobiomodulation Therapy: An Example of Socket-Preserving Effects after Tooth Extraction in Rats and a Literature Review. Int J Mol Sci, 21(18), 6850. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21186850
Daigo Y, Daigo E, Hasegawa A, Fukuoka H, Ishikawa M, Takahashi K. (2020b). Utility of High-Intensity Laser Therapy Combined with Photobiomodulation Therapy for Socket Preservation After Tooth Extraction. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg, 38(2), 75-83. https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2019.4652
Özer H, İnci MA. (2024). Effect of low-level laser therapy in wound healing of primary molar teeth extraction. BMC Oral Health, 24(1), 348. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-024-04145-5
Alam M, Karami S, Mohammadikhah M, Badkoobeh A, Golkar M, Abbasi K, et al. (2024). The effect of photobiomodulation therapy in common maxillofacial injuries: Current status. Cell Biochem Funct, 42(2), e3951. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbf.3951
