The Impacts of Low-Level Laser Therapy - A Complementary Treatment in the Management of Side Effects After Implant Surgery

Introduction: One of the most important medical applications of laser is low-level laser therapy (LLLT). In this method, laser radiation penetrates easily into the target tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate whether LLLT can reduce the side effects of advanced implant surgery. Methods: In this triple-blind clinical trial, 30 patients aged 25 to 65 years were selected for implant insertion and divided into two groups. In the laser group, immediately after the surgery, 72 hours and 1 week after the surgery, the surgical site was irradiated with an 830 nm laser. The dose required for the laser therapy was 5 J/cm(2). The degree of pain, facial swelling and wound healing were analyzed using statistical methods. Results: Our results showed that at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after the surgery, the pain level was reduced in the laser group compared with the placebo group (P < 0.05). Swelling of the face was also significantly reduced 7 days after surgery in the laser group (P < 0.05). The investigation on the recovery conditions of the surgical site showed that on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days after the surgery, higher levels of wound healing have been achieved (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that laser, as a complementary therapy; can be used to reduce the severity and duration of pain. Also, laser can reduce facial swelling and accelerate wound healing.