Low-level laser therapy in dentistry: Extra-oral applications

Niger J Clin Pract. 2019 Oct;22(10):1313-1318. doi: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_53_19.

Abstract

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is considered as a recent technique in the dental field. Nowadays, it is used by many clinicians in dentistry. The stimulation of the healing process and pain relief are among its most popular uses. The purpose of this paper is to discuss and review the latest extra-oral applications of LLLT in the dental field. An electronic search of English scientific papers from 2000 to 2018 was accomplished using PubMed and Google Scholar search engines. The following key words were used extra-oral, applications, LLLT, and dental field. This review demonstrates the marked effectiveness of LLLT in the management of many conditions and how it could improve the quality of life of many patients. However, LLLT is still considered a recent alternative and requires more understanding of its mechanism of action by conducting more high-quality randomized clinical trials with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods.

Keywords: Dental field; extra-oral; low-level laser therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dentistry*
  • Humans
  • Low-Level Light Therapy / methods*
  • Pain Management / psychology*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Wound Healing*