Study of Low-Level Laser Therapy to Improve Healing After Impacted Lower Wisdom Tooth Removal

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy LLLT on healing after surgical removal of impacted lower third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth. Impacted lower third molar extraction is a frequent dental procedure that can cause complications such as swelling, pain, jaw tightness, and bone or gum problems after surgery. While various grafting materials have been used to improve healing, they can be costly, time-consuming, and carry risks of infection. LLLT is a safe, non-invasive approach that influences cell metabolism and has shown promising results in reducing post-surgery discomfort and promoting healing, but more scientific evidence is needed in humans. In this study, patients will have both lower impacted third molars removed. One side will not receive active laser therapy, serving as a control, while the other side will receive seven sessions of low-level laser therapy. These sessions occur on the day of surgery and then on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 post-surgery. This design allows comparison of healing between treated and untreated sites within the same patient. Participants will be monitored for wound healing scores on days 3, 7, and 30 after surgery. Bone healing will be assessed by measuring new bone density and changes in the alveolar crest level next to the second lower molar on the day of surgery, and again at one and three months. The study includes healthy adult patients with impacted lower third molars and involves randomized, double-blind procedures to evaluate the benefits of low-level laser therapy over a follow-up period of three months.

Effects of Low-level Laser Therapy on Soft and Hard Tissue Healing After Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Extraction