Effect of Laser Photobiomodulation on Postoperative Pain in Endodontics: A Systematic Review

Photobiomodulation therapy has proven benefits in various dental treatments. The current systematic review aims to explore the role of laser photobiomodulation in modulating postoperative pain followed by endodontic treatment. In this systematic review, randomized controlled clinical trials on low-level laser therapy/photobiomodulation in endodontic therapy were analyzed. Database search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, followed by literature search in Google Scholar. A total of 12 studies were included as per the set criteria. The included studies utilized diode laser (808-970 nm) and indium gallium aluminum. All the included studies evaluated postendodontic pain after root canal therapy and endodontic surgery. A majority of the included studies showed significant benefits of photobiomodulation in postoperative pain management in endodontic therapy.Heterogeneity of the laser parameters and lack of power calculations for sampling among the included studies preclude solid recommendation of use of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for postendodontic pain management. Although PBMT has proven potential benefits being a possible adjunct in postoperative pain management in endodontic therapy, it requires robust standardized randomized control trials to confirm the results of the systematic review.