Does the Low-Intensity Laser Protocol Affect Tissue Healing After Third Molar Removal?

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Periodontology

Background:

• Laser therapy is recommended for improving the postoperative period after third molar extraction.
• Optimal laser protocols for periodontal tissue healing remain undefined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare periodontal tissue healing using two different low-intensity laser protocols after inferior third molar extraction.
• To evaluate the efficacy of laser therapy in managing postoperative complications such as trismus, facial edema, and pain.

Main Methods:

• A double-blinded, randomized, prospective study involving 57 patients undergoing inferior third molar extraction.
• Patients were divided into three groups: 10 J/cm² laser, 30 J/cm² laser, and sham (no laser).
• Primary outcome was probing depth; secondary outcomes included trismus, facial edema, and pain, assessed over six months.

Main Results:

• Both laser groups showed statistically significant differences in edema control compared to the sham group.
• The 10 J/cm² laser protocol demonstrated a statistically significant difference in probing depth over six months.
• Edema reduction was observed on days 3 and 7 in both laser groups compared to the sham group.

Conclusions:

• Low-intensity laser therapy, particularly the 10 J/cm² protocol, is effective as adjuvant therapy for enhancing periodontal tissue healing post-third molar extraction.
• Laser therapy in both tested protocols effectively reduced facial edema following third molar extraction.