Does Laser-LED Photobiomodulation Therapy Alleviate Swlling, Pain, and Trismus Following Impacted Third Molar Extraction?

Objectives: The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a single-session application of laser-LED based photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) (using a 904 nm GaAlAs infrared laser and a 650 nm InGaAIP LED) on pain, edema, trismus, and the quality of life of patients following impacted mandibular third molar extraction. Materials and Methods: The study included patients whose impacted mandibular third molars were to be extracted for prophylactic purposes. The patients were divided into two groups as the PBMT group and the placebo control group. Pain, swelling, maximum mouth opening, and quality of life parameters of the patients were evaluated. Results: The study included a total of 36 patients, with 15 in the placebo control group and 21 in the laser group. Pain, maximum mouth opening, and edema measurements changed statistically after surgery (P.05). While no statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of isolation, eating-drinking, sleep, and physical appearance, the placebo control group was significantly less affected in terms of speech changes compared to the laser group (P = .019). Conclusions: Further randomized controlled clinical trials are required to determine the optimal wavelength and dose for PBMT in reducing morbidity after impacted wisdom tooth surgery.