Effect of low-level laser therapy on tooth-related pain and somatosensory function evoked by orthodontic treatment

Abstract

Repeated applications of low-level laser therapy during and after orthodontic procedures could help reduce pain and discomfort. Many orthodontic patients experience pain in the hours and days following treatment, which impacts on treatment participation. Wenjing Chen at Nanjing Medical University and co-workers assessed whether low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can reduce pain and sensitivity in teeth and surrounding tissues. They divided 40 patients into two groups; one was given repeated LLLT in the hours and days following procedures, while the other group received a placebo course. They tested both groups for sensitivity to stimuli including heat and pressure, in the mouth and on the hands. LLLT significantly reduced pain in the mouth relative to the placebo group. No differences were found in tests on the hands, suggesting LLLT works as a targeted analgesia.

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