ABSTRACT
Low-power lasers are a group of lasers with a power less than 500 mW and unlike high-power lasers they have no effect on tissue temperature; they produce light-dependent chemical reactions in tissues. The purpose of this study was to review the clinical applications of these lasers and their success rate in different studies in orofacial pains. The articles with the key word "low level laser therapy" were extracted from pubmed. Clinical trials, meta-analysis, randomized clinical trials, and review articles were selected. Related articles to orofacial region were gathered and selected from the search results and carefully reviewed. Laser therapy may affect many cellular and sub-cellular processes, although exact mechanism has not been well-defined yet. Articles had different points of views as mentioned in the context of this article. Low level laser therapy was effective in orofacial pain relief in most studies, but the use of laser remains controversial. These lasers have analgesic features, and it is according to these features they have been used in the treatment of orofacial pain, including myofacial pain, mucositis, facial myalgia, temporomandibular joint disorders and neuralgia. It seems that laser therapy can be considered as an alternative physical modality in treatment of orofacial pain.
ABSTRACT
The use of lasers for treatment has become a common phenomenon in the medical field. Currently, numerous laser systems are available for dental use. The use of lasers for periodontal treatment becomes more complicated because the periodontium consists of both hard and soft tissues. Related articles were gathered and selected carefully and reviewed. Among the many lasers available, high power lasers such as Carbon Dioxide Laser [CO2], Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet [Nd:YAG] and diode lasers can be used in periodontics. The use of these lasers is limited to gingivectomy, frenectomy and similar soft tissue procedures including the removal of melanin pigmentation of gingiva. Recently, Erbium: Yttrium Aluminium Garnet[Er:YAG] and Erbium, Chromium doped Yttrium Scandium Gallium Garnet [Er,Cr:YSGG] lasers are used for scaling, root debridement, cutting, shaving, contouring and resection of oral osseous tissues. In addition to their surgical applications, low-level lasers such as Er:YAG laser irradiation promotes osteoblast proliferation showing higher and favorable bone tissue regeneration. These findings suggest faster bone tissue healing following periodontal and peri-implant low level laser therapy. Advantages of laser treatment in periodontics are effective and efficient soft and hard tissue ablation with a greater hemostasis, bactericidal effect, minimal wound contraction, faster bone tissue healing, minimal collateral damages along with reduced use of local analgesia