EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF PHOTOBIOMODULATION THERAPY ON POST OPERATIVE PAIN IN CHILDREN UNDERGOING PRIMARY TOOTH EXTRACTION: IN VIVO STUDY

Introduction: Managing post-operative pain in pediatric patients following primary tooth extraction is a significant clinical challenge. Conventional methods, such as Local Anesthetics and systemic analgesics, often have limited efficacy and potential side effects. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has emerged as a promising non-invasive modality. PBMTinvolves the application of low-intensity LASER light to tissues, promoting analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and biostimulatory effects. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of PBMTin reducing post-operative pain in children aged 7-10 years undergoing primary tooth extraction. Methods: 30 children with over-retained primary maxillary or mandibular incisors, having a behaviour rating of 3 or 4 on the Frankel behaviour scale, were included. Children were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group received PBMT using a Diode LASER immediately after extraction, while the control group did not. PBMT was applied at three points (vestibular, lingual, and occlusal) for 60 seconds each, with a probe placed 1 cm from the target area and a power of 300mW. Pain levels were assessed using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (PRS) before and after treatment. Parents were contacted for three consecutive evenings post-treatment to record pain levels, complications, and analgesic use. Results: Preliminary findings suggest that children in the PBMT group reported lower pain scores compared to the control group. Conclusion: PBMT appears effective in reducing post-operative pain in Pediatric patients undergoing primary tooth extraction.