Laser light: Illuminating the path to enhanced periodontal care

• Published in: Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy Vol. 46; p. 104036
• Main Authors: Chhabrani, Ankita, Avinash, B. S., Bharadwaj, R. Sumukh, Gupta, Muskan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.04.2024
• Subjects: Cell; Inflammation; Lasers; Periodontology; Photobiomodulation; Inflammation; Lasers; Cell; Periodontology; Photobiomodulation; photobiomodulation; cell; inflammation; periodontology
• ISSN: 1572-1000; 1873-1597; 1873-1597
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2024.104036

•Evidence-Based Application: PBM(T) holds promise as an adjunctive therapy in periodontal care, but its efficacy should be supported by robust clinical evidence and research.•Patient-Centered Approach: Future research should prioritize patient preferences and patient-centered outcomes, ensuring that laser-assisted therapy aligns with patient needs and desires.•Clinical Trial Standardization: To validate the effectiveness of PBM(T), well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are essential, comparing it with conventional periodontal treatments.•Therapeutic and Biological Goals: Understanding how PBM(T) affects therapeutic and biological objectives, such as suppressing pathogenic bacteria and promoting tissue regeneration, is critical for optimizing its clinical utility.•Optimizing Cost-to-Benefit Ratio: The development of laser therapy strategies with a favorable cost-to-benefit ratio can enhance patient outcomes and reduce the need for invasive procedures and systemic antibiotics in patients with compromised health. The utilisation of laser technology in the realm of periodontal care represents a significant advancement in clinical practice. This article delves into the historical context of laser therapy in medicine, from its inception in 1960 to its evolution into low-level laser therapy (LLLT). LLLT, often referred to as photobiomodulation (PBM), has garnered attention due to its potential to enhance periodontal treatment outcomes. The article thoroughly examines the mechanisms of action of photobiomodulation therapy PBM(T), covering its impact on cellular and tissue levels. The authors explore the evidence-based recommendations for the use of PBM(T) in periodontal care, shedding light on its potential to improve periodontal conditions, especially when applied as an adjunct to conventional treatments. They investigate the role of PBM(T) in individuals and its possible contribution to periodontal health. Additionally, the article delves into its application in periodontal regenerative procedures and its ability to expedite soft tissue wound healing and the effects of PBM(T) in reducing periodontal inflammation and mitigating post-periodontal surgery discomfort. In conclusion, the article calls for enhanced clinical research to streamline laser procedures, develop antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, and conduct well-designed randomised controlled trials (RCTs). It also emphasises the importance of understanding the impact of laser therapy on therapeutic and biological goals, the potential to reduce invasive procedures, and the necessity of adequate research funding.