The effect of low-level laser therapy after simple tooth extraction

Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on pain, discomfort, bleeding, and clot formation inside the socket after extraction the upper anterior teeth of healthy adult patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients, their age 15-60-year-old, were used in this current study. Patients were randomly separated into two groups; each group has 10 patients using the same surgical protocol for both groups. Immediately after the extraction, the laser group received low power laser therapy intraorally using a diode laser 940nm and 0.8 W power output in continuous mode with exposure time ranging 15-60s. All patients were given postoperative recommendation. Variable parameters were evaluated after teeth extraction for 7 days including pain, discomfort, and bleeding. Data analysis was achieved by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistics Version 21. Results: The pain scores in the laser group revealed significant difference (P = 0.001). There was found a significant difference only in the 5th day (P < 0.05) postoperatively when comparing the pain level between the two groups. The study results also showed a significant decreased level of discomfort in the second group (laser group), while the level of discomfort in the first group (control group) was not significant. On the 1st day up to the 5th, 6th, and 7th day (P < 0.05), postoperatively, there were significant differences when comparing the discomfort level between the two groups. Bleeding score was significant between the two groups (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Using a diode laser 940nm with 0.8 W (output power) in continuous mode, as LLLT has a significant effect in reducing pain, discomfort, and bleeding levels with the formation of a stable blood clot inside the tooth socket.