Effect of photobiomodulation on wound healing and pain after crown lengthening surgery: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background: The present study evaluated the synergistic effect of 808 nm and 660 nm diode lasers on the processes of healing and pain management following crown lengthening surgery. Methods: This randomized clinical trial involved 20 patients who underwent surgical crown lengthening on both sides of their jaw. Following the surgery, one tooth from each patient was randomly assigned to either the case group (irradiated with 808 nm and 660 nm diode lasers as photobiomodulation PBM therapy) or the control group (laser device remained switched off). The early healing index (EHI), comprising clinical signs of inflammation (CSI), clinical signs of homeostasis (CSH), and clinical signs of re-epithelialization (CSR), was assessed on days 3 and 7. Pain severity was quantified on the day of surgery and 1, 3, and 7 days after surgery using a visual analog scale. The data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. Results: No significant differences were observed in CSR on days 3 (P=0.18) and 7 (P=1.0), nor in CSI on day 3 (P=0.477) after surgery. However, a significant difference was identified in CSI on day 7 and in CSH on both days 3 and 7 (P<0.05) after surgery. Furthermore, the level of postoperative pain demonstrated a significant difference (P <= 0.005). Conclusion: PBM demonstrably enhanced CSI by day 7 and improved CSH by days 3 and 7, in addition to decreasing postoperative pain.