Photobiomodulation Treatment Parameters and Clinical Outcomes Following Periodontal Soft-Tissue Surgery: A Systematic Review

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been increasingly investigated as an adjunctive approach to improve postoperative recovery following periodontal surgery. However, substantial variations in treatment parameters and clinical protocols have made it difficult to determine which PBM characteristics are associated with favorable clinical outcomes. This systematic review evaluated the PBM parameters used after periodontal surgery and summarized their reported associations with postoperative clinical outcomes. Randomized controlled clinical studies evaluating PBM after periodontal surgery were identified through a systematic literature search. Studies assessing postoperative pain, wound healing, epithelialization, wound area, graft-related outcomes, and other clinical or biological outcomes were included in this review. Due to substantial heterogeneity in surgical procedures, PBM parameters, application techniques, treatment schedules, and outcome assessments, a quantitative meta-analysis was not performed. Sixteen studies published between 1993 and 2026 were included in this review. Wavelengths ranged from 660 to 970 nm, while power, fluence, application mode, treatment duration, and treatment frequency varied considerably. Overall, PBM has demonstrated potentially favorable effects on wound healing, epithelialization, wound area reduction, and postoperative pain in several studies, although the findings were inconsistent. Some studies have reported no significant improvement in pain or healing despite PBM application. The incomplete reporting of treatment parameters and methodological limitations further restricted the comparison between protocols. Therefore, the available evidence does not establish a specific wavelength, dose, or treatment schedule as optimal. PBM may be a useful adjunct for postoperative periodontal care; however, standardized protocols and adequately powered randomized controlled trials with comprehensive dosimetric reporting are required.