Tooth Movement After Infrared Laser Phototherapy: Clinical Study in Rodents

Lasers efficacy in pain management after primary and secondary endodontic treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Postoperative pain is a common concern following root canal treatments (RCT), impacting both patients and oral health practitioners. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of laser treatment modalities in reducing postoperative pain compared to conventional methods after primary and secondary RCT in permanent mature teeth. A search of three electronic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, and The Cochrane Library) was conducted, using a broad range of keywords and terms. Gray literature and manual searches were conducted to complement the search. The inclusion criteria included randomized clinical trials based on the objective of the secondary study. A minimum sample size of 10 participants per group and a clearly defined criterion for postoperative pain assessment were required. The characteristics of the included studies were presented as tables. The Cochrane collaboration tool RoB 2.0 was used to assess the risk of bias within each study. Two reviewers extracted the data and assessed the studies independently, and discrepancies were resolved through consultation with a third reviewer. A random-effects model was employed for meta-analysis to estimate the overall effect measure. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran's Q test and the I2 index. Publication bias was explored via Funnel plots and Egger's test. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were conducted to assess variations among laser methods and examine the influence of independent factors. The significance threshold for all analyses was set at 5% (α = 0.05). Intraoral laser therapy demonstrated no significant advantage over conventional treatments but consistently outperformed placebo, particularly from 4 to 72 h post-treatment. Low-level laser therapy provided slight pain reduction in the first 8 h, though its effectiveness diminished in retreatment scenarios. Photodynamic therapy and laser disinfection showed marginal benefits, especially shortly after treatment, with reduced efficacy in longer-term or retreatment contexts. Further research is needed to explore different applications of laser modalities and assess distinct prognostic factors in more detail.

Clinical and preclinical evidence on the bioeffects and movement-related implications of photobiomodulation in the orthodontic tooth movement: A systematic review

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been demonstrated as a non-invasive and painless technique with great potential to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). However, there is a great inconsistency among PBM protocols and reported outcomes, probably due to the poor translatability of preclinical knowledge into early clinical practice. Hence, this review aims to fill this gap by establishing the state-of-the-art on both preclinical and clinical applications of PBM, and by comprehensively discussing the most suitable stimulation protocols described in the literature. This review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. A bibliographic search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases using a combination of keywords. Only studies written in English were eligible and no time limit was applied. A total of 69 studies were selected for this review. The revised literature describes that PBM can effectively reduce orthodontic treatment time and produce analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. We found that PBM of 640 ± 25, 830 ± 20 and 960 ± 20 nm, delivered at a minimum energy density per irradiation point of 5 J/cm2 daily or every other day sessions is robustly associated with increased tooth movement rate. Pain relief seems to be achieved with lower irradiation doses compared to those required for OTM acceleration. For the first time, the bioeffects induced by PBM for the acceleration of OTM are comprehensively discussed from a translational point of view. Collectively, the evidence from preclinical and clinical trials supports the use of PBM as a coadjuvant in orthodontics for enhancing tooth movement and managing treatment-associated discomfort. Overall, the revised studies indicate that optimal PBM parameters to stimulate tissue remodelling are wavelengths of 830 ± 20 nm and energy densities of 5-70 J/cm2 applied daily or every other day can maximize the OTM rate, while lower doses (up to 16 J/cm2 per session) delivered in non-consecutive days seem to be optimal for inducing analgesic effects. Future research should focus on optimizing laser parameters and treatment protocols customized for tooth and movement type. By fine-tuning laser parameters, clinicians can potentially reduce treatment times, improve patient comfort and achieve more predictable outcomes, making orthodontic care more efficient and patient-friendly, thus consolidating PBM usage in orthodontics.

Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Photobiomodulation on Pain Reduction in Individuals Undergoing Segmental Retraction Using a Closing Loop: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Pain following orthodontic treatment is a common reason for apprehension and treatment discontinuation. Research on modalities to control pain in orthodontic patients has gained special attention. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is studied as an alternative pain management modality free of the adverse effects of analgesic medications.

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for pain control following the activation of a closing loop for canine retraction.

METHOD

This is a split-mouth, placebo-controlled, single-blinded randomized clinical trial that evaluated 16 patients who need canine retraction using closing loops. Two maxillary quadrants were allotted into test and control groups using the coin toss method. In the test group, a low-intensity laser with 810 nm wavelength for 60 seconds in pulsated non-contact mode was used in the buccal, palatal, mesial, and distal regions of the canine immediately after activating the loop. The control site received placebo radiation. The pain level was recorded 2, 24, 48, and 72 hours after intervention in the control and test groups using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The test and control groups were compared using Student's t-test. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0 (Released 2017; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States).

RESULT

Both groups had a significant statistical difference in the pain score. The laser group showed a statistically significant lower pain score compared to the control group at all time points.

CONCLUSION

Photobiomodulation by 810 nm 300 mW diode laser can effectively reduce pain following the retraction of maxillary canines.

Optimization of a Photobiomodulation Protocol to Improve the Cell Viability, Proliferation and Protein Expression in Osteoblasts and Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts for Accelerated Orthodontic Treatment

Numerous pieces of evidence have supported the therapeutic potential of photobiomodulation (PBM) to modulate bone remodeling on mechanically stimulated teeth, proving PBM's ability to be used as a coadjuvant treatment to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). However, there are still uncertainty and discourse around the optimal PBM protocols, which hampers its optimal and consolidated clinical applicability. Given the differential expression and metabolic patterns exhibited in the tension and compression sides of orthodontically stressed teeth, it is plausible that different types of irradiation may be applied to each side of the teeth. In this sense, this study aimed to design and implement an optimization protocol to find the most appropriate PBM parameters to stimulate specific bone turnover processes. To this end, three levels of wavelength (655, 810 and 940 nm), two power densities (5 and 10 mW/cm2) and two regimens of single and multiple sessions within three consecutive days were tested. The biological response of osteoblasts and periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts was addressed by monitoring the PBM's impact on the cellular metabolic activity, as well as on key bone remodeling mediators, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANK-L), each day. The results suggest that daily irradiation of 655 nm delivered at 10 mW/cm2, as well as 810 and 940 nm light at 5 mW/cm2, lead to an increase in ALP and OPG, potentiating bone formation. In addition, irradiation of 810 nm at 5 mW/cm2 delivered for two consecutive days and suspended by the third day promotes a downregulation of OPG expression and a slight non-significant increase in RANK-L expression, being suitable to stimulate bone resorption. Future studies in animal models may clarify the impact of PBM on bone formation and resorption mediators for longer periods and address the possibility of testing different stimulation periodicities. The present in vitro study offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of specific PBM protocols to promote osteogenic and osteoclastogenesis responses and therefore its potential to stimulate bone formation on the tension side and bone resorption on the compression side of orthodontically stressed teeth.

Photobiomodulation therapy assisted orthodontic tooth movement: potential implications, challenges, and new perspectives

Over the past decade, dramatic progress has been made in dental research areas involving laser therapy. The photobiomodulatory effect of laser light regulates the behavior of periodontal tissues and promotes damaged tissues to heal faster. Additionally, photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), a non-invasive treatment, when applied in orthodontics, contributes to alleviating pain and reducing inflammation induced by orthodontic forces, along with improving tissue healing processes. Moreover, PBMT is attracting more attention as a possible approach to prevent the incidence of orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR) during orthodontic treatment (OT) due to its capacity to modulate inflammatory, apoptotic, and anti-antioxidant responses. However, a systematic review revealed that PBMT has only a moderate grade of evidence-based effectiveness during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in relation to OIIRR, casting doubt on its beneficial effects. In PBMT-assisted orthodontics, delivering sufficient energy to the tooth root to achieve optimal stimulation is challenging due to the exponential attenuation of light penetration in periodontal tissues. The penetration of light to the root surface is another crucial unknown factor. Both the penetration depth and distribution of light in periodontal tissues are unknown. Thus, advanced approaches specific to orthodontic application of PBMT need to be established to overcome these limitations. This review explores possibilities for improving the application and effectiveness of PBMT during OTM. The aim was to investigate the current evidence related to the underlying mechanisms of action of PBMT on various periodontal tissues and cells, with a special focus on immunomodulatory effects during OTM.

Effectiveness of photobiomodulation with low-level lasers on the acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of split-mouth randomised clinical trials

Although several studies have evaluated the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on orthodontic movement acceleration, results are still inconsistent. Such inconsistencies may be attributed to the differences in the LLLT application protocols, especially in terms of wavelength ranges. Objective: (i) to assess the clinical effects of LLLT on the acceleration of orthodontic movement and (ii) to establish the most effective LLLT wavelength to accelerate tooth movement during orthodontic treatments. MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, ScienceDirect, and LILACS were searched from inception to October 2022. Inclusion criteria: Split-mouth randomised clinical trials (RCTs) on systemically healthy patients reporting the effect of LLLT in accelerating orthodontic movements, specifically retraction of canines. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB-2. A random effect model was applied. Nineteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis, and eighteen RCTs were included in the quantitative synthesis. Seventeen studies were rated as at some concerns of bias and two studies were classified as having a low risk of bias. In general terms, this systematic review and meta-analysis presents a moderate risk of bias. Findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis point to a tendency for faster orthodontic dental movement in the groups receiving LLLT treatment during the first (OR of 0.28 95% CI (0.07 to 0.48)), second (OR of 0.52 95% CI (0.31 to 0.73)), and third (OR of 0.41 95% CI (0.03 to 0.79)) month follow-up. Wavelengths ≤ 810 nm and energy density values ≤ 5.3 J/cm2 were associated with faster orthodontic tooth movement.

Effectiveness of photobiomodulation with low-level lasers on the acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of split-mouth randomised clinical trials

Although several studies have evaluated the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on orthodontic movement acceleration, results are still inconsistent. Such inconsistencies may be attributed to the differences in the LLLT application protocols, especially in terms of wavelength ranges. Objective: (i) to assess the clinical effects of LLLT on the acceleration of orthodontic movement and (ii) to establish the most effective LLLT wavelength to accelerate tooth movement during orthodontic treatments. MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, ScienceDirect, and LILACS were searched from inception to October 2022. Inclusion criteria: Split-mouth randomised clinical trials (RCTs) on systemically healthy patients reporting the effect of LLLT in accelerating orthodontic movements, specifically retraction of canines. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB-2. A random effect model was applied. Nineteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis, and eighteen RCTs were included in the quantitative synthesis. Seventeen studies were rated as at some concerns of bias and two studies were classified as having a low risk of bias. In general terms, this systematic review and meta-analysis presents a moderate risk of bias. Findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis point to a tendency for faster orthodontic dental movement in the groups receiving LLLT treatment during the first (OR of 0.28 95% CI (0.07 to 0.48)), second (OR of 0.52 95% CI (0.31 to 0.73)), and third (OR of 0.41 95% CI (0.03 to 0.79)) month follow-up. Wavelengths ≤ 810 nm and energy density values ≤ 5.3 J/cm2 were associated with faster orthodontic tooth movement.

Effectiveness of photobiomodulation with low-level lasers on the acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of split-mouth randomised clinical trials

Although several studies have evaluated the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on orthodontic movement acceleration, results are still inconsistent. Such inconsistencies may be attributed to the differences in the LLLT application protocols, especially in terms of wavelength ranges. Objective: (i) to assess the clinical effects of LLLT on the acceleration of orthodontic movement and (ii) to establish the most effective LLLT wavelength to accelerate tooth movement during orthodontic treatments. MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, ScienceDirect, and LILACS were searched from inception to October 2022. Inclusion criteria: Split-mouth randomised clinical trials (RCTs) on systemically healthy patients reporting the effect of LLLT in accelerating orthodontic movements, specifically retraction of canines. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB-2. A random effect model was applied. Nineteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis, and eighteen RCTs were included in the quantitative synthesis. Seventeen studies were rated as at some concerns of bias and two studies were classified as having a low risk of bias. In general terms, this systematic review and meta-analysis presents a moderate risk of bias. Findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis point to a tendency for faster orthodontic dental movement in the groups receiving LLLT treatment during the first (OR of 0.28 95% CI (0.07 to 0.48)), second (OR of 0.52 95% CI (0.31 to 0.73)), and third (OR of 0.41 95% CI (0.03 to 0.79)) month follow-up. Wavelengths ≤ 810 nm and energy density values ≤ 5.3 J/cm2 were associated with faster orthodontic tooth movement.

Effectiveness of photobiomodulation with low-level lasers on the acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of split-mouth randomised clinical trials

Although several studies have evaluated the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on orthodontic movement acceleration, results are still inconsistent. Such inconsistencies may be attributed to the differences in the LLLT application protocols, especially in terms of wavelength ranges. Objective: (i) to assess the clinical effects of LLLT on the acceleration of orthodontic movement and (ii) to establish the most effective LLLT wavelength to accelerate tooth movement during orthodontic treatments. MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, ScienceDirect, and LILACS were searched from inception to October 2022. Inclusion criteria: Split-mouth randomised clinical trials (RCTs) on systemically healthy patients reporting the effect of LLLT in accelerating orthodontic movements, specifically retraction of canines. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB-2. A random effect model was applied. Nineteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis, and eighteen RCTs were included in the quantitative synthesis. Seventeen studies were rated as at some concerns of bias and two studies were classified as having a low risk of bias. In general terms, this systematic review and meta-analysis presents a moderate risk of bias. Findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis point to a tendency for faster orthodontic dental movement in the groups receiving LLLT treatment during the first (OR of 0.28 95% CI (0.07 to 0.48)), second (OR of 0.52 95% CI (0.31 to 0.73)), and third (OR of 0.41 95% CI (0.03 to 0.79)) month follow-up. Wavelengths ≤ 810 nm and energy density values ≤ 5.3 J/cm2 were associated with faster orthodontic tooth movement.

Effectiveness of photobiomodulation with low-level lasers on the acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of split-mouth randomised clinical trials

Although several studies have evaluated the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on orthodontic movement acceleration, results are still inconsistent. Such inconsistencies may be attributed to the differences in the LLLT application protocols, especially in terms of wavelength ranges. Objective: (i) to assess the clinical effects of LLLT on the acceleration of orthodontic movement and (ii) to establish the most effective LLLT wavelength to accelerate tooth movement during orthodontic treatments. MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, ScienceDirect, and LILACS were searched from inception to October 2022. Inclusion criteria: Split-mouth randomised clinical trials (RCTs) on systemically healthy patients reporting the effect of LLLT in accelerating orthodontic movements, specifically retraction of canines. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB-2. A random effect model was applied. Nineteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis, and eighteen RCTs were included in the quantitative synthesis. Seventeen studies were rated as at some concerns of bias and two studies were classified as having a low risk of bias. In general terms, this systematic review and meta-analysis presents a moderate risk of bias. Findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis point to a tendency for faster orthodontic dental movement in the groups receiving LLLT treatment during the first (OR of 0.28 95% CI (0.07 to 0.48)), second (OR of 0.52 95% CI (0.31 to 0.73)), and third (OR of 0.41 95% CI (0.03 to 0.79)) month follow-up. Wavelengths ≤ 810 nm and energy density values ≤ 5.3 J/cm2 were associated with faster orthodontic tooth movement.

Effectiveness of photobiomodulation with low-level lasers on the acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of split-mouth randomised clinical trials

Although several studies have evaluated the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on orthodontic movement acceleration, results are still inconsistent. Such inconsistencies may be attributed to the differences in the LLLT application protocols, especially in terms of wavelength ranges. Objective: (i) to assess the clinical effects of LLLT on the acceleration of orthodontic movement and (ii) to establish the most effective LLLT wavelength to accelerate tooth movement during orthodontic treatments. MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, ScienceDirect, and LILACS were searched from inception to October 2022. Inclusion criteria: Split-mouth randomised clinical trials (RCTs) on systemically healthy patients reporting the effect of LLLT in accelerating orthodontic movements, specifically retraction of canines. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB-2. A random effect model was applied. Nineteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis, and eighteen RCTs were included in the quantitative synthesis. Seventeen studies were rated as at some concerns of bias and two studies were classified as having a low risk of bias. In general terms, this systematic review and meta-analysis presents a moderate risk of bias. Findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis point to a tendency for faster orthodontic dental movement in the groups receiving LLLT treatment during the first (OR of 0.28 95% CI (0.07 to 0.48)), second (OR of 0.52 95% CI (0.31 to 0.73)), and third (OR of 0.41 95% CI (0.03 to 0.79)) month follow-up. Wavelengths ≤ 810 nm and energy density values ≤ 5.3 J/cm2 were associated with faster orthodontic tooth movement.

Effectiveness of photobiomodulation with low-level lasers on the acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of split-mouth randomised clinical trials

Although several studies have evaluated the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on orthodontic movement acceleration, results are still inconsistent. Such inconsistencies may be attributed to the differences in the LLLT application protocols, especially in terms of wavelength ranges. Objective: (i) to assess the clinical effects of LLLT on the acceleration of orthodontic movement and (ii) to establish the most effective LLLT wavelength to accelerate tooth movement during orthodontic treatments. MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, ScienceDirect, and LILACS were searched from inception to October 2022. Inclusion criteria: Split-mouth randomised clinical trials (RCTs) on systemically healthy patients reporting the effect of LLLT in accelerating orthodontic movements, specifically retraction of canines. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB-2. A random effect model was applied. Nineteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis, and eighteen RCTs were included in the quantitative synthesis. Seventeen studies were rated as at some concerns of bias and two studies were classified as having a low risk of bias. In general terms, this systematic review and meta-analysis presents a moderate risk of bias. Findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis point to a tendency for faster orthodontic dental movement in the groups receiving LLLT treatment during the first (OR of 0.28 95% CI (0.07 to 0.48)), second (OR of 0.52 95% CI (0.31 to 0.73)), and third (OR of 0.41 95% CI (0.03 to 0.79)) month follow-up. Wavelengths ≤ 810 nm and energy density values ≤ 5.3 J/cm2 were associated with faster orthodontic tooth movement.

Effectiveness of photobiomodulation with low-level lasers on the acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of split-mouth randomised clinical trials

Although several studies have evaluated the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on orthodontic movement acceleration, results are still inconsistent. Such inconsistencies may be attributed to the differences in the LLLT application protocols, especially in terms of wavelength ranges. Objective: (i) to assess the clinical effects of LLLT on the acceleration of orthodontic movement and (ii) to establish the most effective LLLT wavelength to accelerate tooth movement during orthodontic treatments. MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, ScienceDirect, and LILACS were searched from inception to October 2022. Inclusion criteria: Split-mouth randomised clinical trials (RCTs) on systemically healthy patients reporting the effect of LLLT in accelerating orthodontic movements, specifically retraction of canines. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB-2. A random effect model was applied. Nineteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis, and eighteen RCTs were included in the quantitative synthesis. Seventeen studies were rated as at some concerns of bias and two studies were classified as having a low risk of bias. In general terms, this systematic review and meta-analysis presents a moderate risk of bias. Findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis point to a tendency for faster orthodontic dental movement in the groups receiving LLLT treatment during the first (OR of 0.28 95% CI (0.07 to 0.48)), second (OR of 0.52 95% CI (0.31 to 0.73)), and third (OR of 0.41 95% CI (0.03 to 0.79)) month follow-up. Wavelengths ≤ 810 nm and energy density values ≤ 5.3 J/cm2 were associated with faster orthodontic tooth movement.

Evaluation of the effects of diode laser application on experimental orthodontic tooth movements in rats. Histopathological analysis

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of diode laser use on experimental orthodontic tooth movements.

Methods:

Thirty Rattus norvegicus albinus Wistar were divided into three equal groups (n = 10), two experimentals and one control. Applying 20 g orthodontic force were attached to the maxillary incisors of the rats in all groups. Low dose laser was applied to the surrounding tissues of the maxillary incisors of the rats in the experimental groups. Two exposure times for laser irradiation were used for seven days: t = 12 min (energy dose = 72 J) and t = 9 min (energy dose = 54 J) by a 0.1 W DEKA brand diode laser with wavelength of 980 nm.

Results:

Osteoclastic activation increased in the 72 J group when compared to control group and decreased in comparison to the 54 J group. Osteoblastic activation was decreased in the 72 J group when compared to the control group and increased in comparison to the 54 J group.

Conclusions:

Applying 54 J laser energy has been found effective to accelerate the orthodontic tooth movement.

Low Intensity Laser Influence on Orthodontic Movement: A Randomized Clinical and Radiographic Trial

Introduction: Finding a method to decrease orthodontic treatment time has been a concern for several authors. This study evaluated, clinically and radiographically, the influence of low-level laser therapy on the rate of orthodontic movement and dental tissue integrity.

Methods: The sample included 11 individuals with class I malocclusion, requiring extraction of 4 first premolars. Gallium aluminum arsenide diode laser with a wavelength of 780 nm was used once a month during retraction mechanics, to irradiate the maxillary and mandibular canines on one side and compare them with the nonirradiated contralateral side, after spring activation, until canine retraction was completed. This was followed by movement measurement. Periapical radiographs were used to check for possible modifications in the supporting tissues and root surface of the displaced canines.

Results: No differences in the rate of tooth movement were found between the irradiated and nonirradiated side on both dental arches. There was no resorption of the root and/or alveolar bone crest, maintaining the integrity of these tissues.

Conclusions: Low-level laser therapy did not promote an increment on the rate of tooth movement and did not cause greater root and alveolar bone crest resorption than on the nonirradiated side with the used protocol.

Influence of photobiomodulation on pain perception during initial orthodontic tooth movement

Abstract Introduction Laser in low intensity (LLI) has been used to reduce the discomfort and pain that is triggered by the forces applied during orthodontic treatment. Objective To evaluate the effect of LLI application in the pain perception of periodontal ligament initial compression, during orthodontic tooth movement; and to compare the effect of this therapy between men and women. Material and method The sample consisted of 30 volunteers, who needed orthodontic band placement on mandibular first molars. After insertion of the elastic separators, LLI was applied to the mesial and distal apical region (wavelength 808nm, energy 2J, time 20s and fluency of 8.32J/cm2) and at three points on the root region (wavelength 808nm, energy 1J, time 10s and fluency of 4.16J/cm2) of the first molar (irradiated side) and compared to the contralateral first molar (non-irradiated side), in three time intervals: 0hs, 24hs and 48hs. Pain perception was evaluated by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), at 0hs, 24hs and 48hs after insertion, with significance of 5%. Result The pain level was observed to be significantly lower (p<0.05) on the irradiated side, irrespective of gender and time. Women presented a significantly higher pain level (p<0.05) than men, irrespective of time and side. There were no significant differences between the time intervals (p>0.05). Conclusion It was concluded that LLI reduced the perception of initial pain in patients in whom compression of the periodontal ligament was promoted by elastic separation, and that women had a greater perception of pain sensitivity in the time intervals studied.

Photobiomodulation in Endodontic, Restorative, and Prosthetic Dentistry: A Review of the Literature

Objective: To provide a review of the literature about the photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) dental treatment protocols in endodontic, restorative, and prosthetic dentistry based on validated clinical studies published so far. More specifically, this study was carried out to carefully review therapeutic protocol of PBMT in clinical studies and their conclusions. Background data: The importance of using low-power lasers and photobiomodulation (PBM) is increasing in dentistry mainly due to their painless and noninvasive function. However, lack of sufficient clinical studies has led to unclear results regarding PBMT in dentistry, and also lack of an available precise protocol for clinicians. Moreover, scarcity of clinical studies in this area has made conduction of a precise systematic review study difficult. Methods: In our study, published clinical studies up to April 2019 were reviewed from library sources, Google Scholar, PubMed and Medline, Elsevier, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of science (ISI). Inclusion criteria included those presented in clinical trials and case report/case series, language (English), and studies available in full text. Exclusion criterion was in vitro studies. Results: In general, findings of clinical studies have shown that PBMT can have a significant role in reducing postoperative dental pain, increasing depth of anesthesia, improving tooth hypersensitivity, reducing inflammation of the tissue, and helping wound healing. Conclusions: A review of clinical studies showed that the use of alternative or adjunctive PBMT is of great importance in controlling postoperative pain after endodontic treatments. In addition, evidence suggests that different parameters of light can be efficient in the treatment of tooth hypersensitivity. Nevertheless, lack of sufficient clinical studies and reliable results do not allow introducing a precise treatment protocol.

Low-level laser therapy stimulates bone metabolism and inhibits root resorption during tooth movement in a rodent model

This study evaluated the biological effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on bone remodeling, tooth displacement and root resorption, occurred during the orthodontic tooth movement. Upper first molars of a total of sixty-eight male rats were subjected to orthodontic tooth movement and euthanized on days 3, 6, 9, 14 and 21 days and divided as negative control, control and LLLT group. Tooth displacement and histomorphometric analysis were performed in all animals; scanning electron microscopy analysis was done on days 3, 6 and 9, as well as the immunohistochemistry analysis of RANKL/OPG and TRAP markers. Volumetric changes in alveolar bone were analyzed using MicroCT images on days 14 and 21. LLLT influenced bone resorption by increasing the number of TRAP-positive osteoclasts and the RANKL expression at the compression side. This resulted in less alveolar bone and hyalinization areas on days 6, 9 and 14. LLLT also induced less bone volume and density, facilitating significant acceleration of tooth movement and potential reduction in root resorption besides stimulating bone formation at the tension side by enhancing OPG expression, increasing trabecular thickness and bone volume on day 21. Taken together, our results indicate that LLLT can stimulate bone remodeling reducing root resorption in a rat model. LLLT improves tooth movement via bone formation and bone resorption in a rat model.

Effects of medications and laser on induced tooth movement and associated root resorption: four key points

The following four fundamental points on the use of experimental models will be described to ensure an accurate evaluation of the effects of medication and laser therapy on induced tooth movement and associated root resorption: (1) If the objective is to check the effect on root resorption, the forces experimentally applied must produce a lesion on the cementoblast layer in all specimens; (2) If the objective is to optimize induced tooth movement and reduce treatment time without side effects, the forces experimentally applied should not produce a lesion in the cementoblast layer in any specimen; (3) The laser therapy operator, the person administering medication and the person that places appliances should not know which animals will effectively receive the test treatment, and the control groups should receive placebo treatments; (4) CT and microscopic analysis of the specimens should be random, and the group to which the specimen belongs should not be identified, to ensure that the person reading images and the pathologists are not influenced in their evaluation of phenomena. These measures will ensure that results are more reliable and easier to extrapolate to orthodontic clinical practice.