Efficacy of low level laser therapy in the management of post operative pain and healing of extraction socket a split mouth randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Laser dentistry has advanced to its pinnacle in both clinical practice and research since last ten years. The lasers with low power output termed as Low level laser therapy has shown therapeutic modality in various research along with surgical lasers. Lasers when used at lowest energy power and low dosage shows an effect of biomodulation in soft and hard tissues. Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in several studies has shown amplified wound healing process in extraction sockets but has not yet been established in the healing process. Aim - The aim of this study is to bring up low level laser therapy in the field of dentistry and further provide an insight of its effect in an extraction socket and pain assessment post tooth extraction. Materials and Method - Patients were selected randomly according to the inclusion criteria after obtaining written consent before the start of treatment. Atraumatic extraction was performed by a single surgeon. Post extraction, in group A (Test group) sites, LLLT was performed immediately after extraction while in group B (Control group), only extraction was done in the same individual. The soft tissue laser used in this study was the Biolase EpicTM X. The laser parameters were configured as follows: a wavelength of 940nm, power output of 0.5W in continuous mode, and defocused mode applied for a duration of 90 seconds. Further LLLT was administered at 3 days and 7 days post extraction. The clinical assessment of the soft tissue healing was done post extraction and Visual Analog Scale was filled by the patient for each intervention visit. The hard tissue healing was analysed by evaluating bone remodelling with the help of CBCT. The comparison between control and tests groups for pain scores and healing scores at 3rd and 7th day were calculated using Independent t tests and grading of healing was done by ANOVA test. Result - Statistically significant difference was noted between both the groups with better pain control management and soft tissue healing in test group. Statistically signi