Download Introduction to the tissue regeneration, anti inflammatory and

Introduction to the tissue regeneration, anti inflammatory and analgesic
effects of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in dentistry
James Carroll
THOR Photomedicine Ltd
BACKGROUND: Low-level laser therapy can stimulate repair, reduce inflammation and
induce analgesia wherever he beam is applied. Over 315 clinical and in-vivo papers
have been published in the dental, maxillofacial and oral medicine fields.
OBJECTIVE: To succinctly present an introduction to the field of LLLT, the mechanism
of action and its potential clinical utility.
SYNOPSIS: The effect of LLLT radiation on tissue regeneration was first reported in
1967. Over the following 4 decades, the effects on wound healing, inflammation and
pain have been elucidated. One of the primary mechanisms of action is by light
absorption by cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria. The secondary effect of that is
increased ATP, modulated Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and release of
mitochondrial nitric oxide (NOmt). The downstream effects of changes in ATP, ROS and
NOmt on stressed or hypoxic cells leads to faster and better tissue repair, less
inflammation, less oedema and an analgesic effect. These effects depend on
wavelength, dose (fluence) and fluence rate.
The applications in dentistry, oral medicine and maxillofacial pathologies can be sorted
into eight broad clinical categories: endodontic, maxillofacial, oral pathology,
paediatric, post operative, orthodontic, periodontal, prosthodontics.
Applications include: dentinal hypersensitivity (reduced tactile and thermal
sensitivity), pulp (improved dentin formation and promotion of HDP cell
mineralization), BRONJ (reduced pain and improved healing), mandibular distraction /
advancement (improved bone trabeculation & ossification, bone formation in condylar
region, improved osteogenesis), TMJD (reduced pain, improved range of mandibular
movement), burning mouth syndrome (reduced pain and other symptoms), HSV
(faster healing and reduced reoccurrence), lichen planus (reduced lesion size, less
pain), oral mucositis (reduced incidence, duration and severity) xerostomia
(regeneration of salivary duct epithelial cells, improved salivary flow), cavity
preparation (reduced use of anaesthetics), gingivitis (reduced pain, inflammation and
faster healing) nerve damage paresthesia (improved mechanical sensory perception),
third molar extraction (reduced pain, swelling and trismus) orthodontics (faster tooth
movement, reduced pain), titanium implants (improved healing, improved
attachment, improved osseointegration) denture stomatitis (reduced yeast colonies,
reduced palatal inflammation).
CONCLUSIONS There is a lot of laboratory data and some good clinical trial evidence
for LLLT in dental, maxillofacial and oral medicine.