The Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy on the Healing of Oral Wounds: A Systematic Review

This systematic review evaluated how effective Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also called photobiomodulation, is in improving healing after oral wounds and dental surgical procedures such as tooth extractions and oral soft-tissue healing. The review analyzed 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Key Findings

• LLLT significantly improved wound healing in most included studies compared with standard treatment or placebo.
• It helped promote:
  • Faster epithelialization (surface tissue healing)
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Less swelling (edema)
  • Reduced postoperative pain and discomfort

How It Works

The review explains that LLLT may support healing by:

• Stimulating cellular activity and tissue repair
• Increasing blood flow
• Reducing inflammatory responses
• Encouraging collagen production and regeneration of damaged tissues

Evidence Reviewed

• Included 14 RCTs focused on oral wound healing after surgical or dental procedures.
• Most studies showed positive outcomes, especially in soft tissue healing and pain reduction.
• Results varied depending on laser wavelength, energy dose, treatment timing, and frequency, making comparisons harder.

Limitations

• Small sample sizes in several trials
• Different treatment protocols across studies
• Some variation in study quality and follow-up periods
• More standardized, high-quality research is needed to define ideal treatment parameters.

Conclusion

LLLT appears to be a promising non-invasive adjunct treatment for oral wound healing. It may speed recovery, reduce pain, and improve tissue repair after dental and oral surgery, but it should be used alongside standard care—not as a replacement.

Simple takeaway: Laser/light therapy may help oral wounds heal faster and with less pain after dental procedures, but stronger evidence is still needed for consistent treatment guidelines.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11531730/