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The effect of low-level laser therapy as an adjunct to periodontal surgery in the management of postoperative pain and wound healing: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Abstract

The meta-analysis and systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjunct to periodontal surgery in the management of postoperative pain and wound healing. An electronic search in 4 databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and OpenGrey) was conducted for randomized clinical trials reporting the effectiveness of LLLT used as an adjunct to periodontal surgery to alleviate pain and accelerate wound healing compared with surgery alone. Finally, 13 studies were eligible and included. The results showed a significant difference of pain relief between groups at day 3 post-surgery, whereas no difference was found at day 7. Moreover, a significant reduction was observed in the mean analgesic intake during the first week in the LLLT group. On day 14, the adjunctive use of LLLT showed significantly faster re-epithelialization and better wound healing in palatal donor sites following free gingival graft procedures. Based on the results, LLLT used as an adjunct to periodontal surgery positively influenced postsurgical pain control. Low power (≤ 500 mW) combined with energy density ≥ 5 J/cm2 might be more appropriate for postoperative pain relief. Moreover, adjunctive LLLT to free gingival grafts could significantly accelerate wound healing of palate sites at early healing phase. Multicenter studies using different LLL parameters without postsurgical analgesics are needed to determine optimal laser settings.

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Funding

Jingchao Hu was supported by the China Scholarship Council for research abroad in University Witten/Herdecke. Han Zhao was supported by Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University. The authors would like to thank the support of China Scholarship Council and Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, for this study.

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  1. Han Zhao and Jingchao Hu contributed equally to this paper.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Multi-disciplinary Treatment Center, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Tian Tan Xi Li Number 4, Beijing, 100050, China

    Han Zhao

  2. Department of Periodontology, Witten/Herdecke University, Alfred-Herrhausen-Str. 45, 58445, Witten, Germany

    Han Zhao & Jingchao Hu

  3. Department of Periodontics, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Tian Tan Xi Li Number 4, Beijing, 100050, China

    Jingchao Hu

  4. Department of Prosthodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400015, China

    Li Zhao

  5. Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, 400015, China

    Li Zhao

  6. Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, 400015, China

    Li Zhao

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  1. Han Zhao
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Correspondence to Li Zhao.

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Zhao, H., Hu, J. & Zhao, L. The effect of low-level laser therapy as an adjunct to periodontal surgery in the management of postoperative pain and wound healing: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lasers Med Sci 36, 175–187 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-020-03072-5

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