Does laser therapy improve the wound healing process after tooth extraction? A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Biomedical Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Laser therapy shows potential for accelerating oral wound healing.
• Mechanisms include stimulating cell regeneration, reducing pain, and modulating immune responses.
• Its efficacy specifically for alveolar healing post-tooth extraction requires systematic evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature on laser therapy's effect on alveolar bone healing after tooth extractions.
• To assess the evidence from both clinical trials and animal studies.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of eight electronic databases (MedLine, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs, Ibecs, Scielo, BBO) was conducted.
• Titles and abstracts were independently screened by three reviewers.
• Included studies were clinical trials and animal experiments evaluating laser therapy's wound healing effects post-extraction.

Main Results:

• Sixteen studies (8 clinical, 8 animal) met the inclusion criteria.
• Various lasers were assessed, including CO2, GaAlAs, Nd:YAG, Diode, HeNe, and High-frequency Pulsed Diode Laser.
• While some lasers (HF, Diode, GaAs) showed enhanced healing in clinical settings, four trials and one animal study found no improvement.

Conclusions:

• Current evidence suggests laser therapy can improve oral wound healing, but effects are dependent on the specific laser type and parameters used.
• The overall benefit of laser therapy for alveolar healing after tooth extraction remains inconclusive.
• More well-designed, randomized controlled trials are needed to establish definitive efficacy.