PHOTOBIOMODULATION IN DENTAL IMPLANT THERAPY: A REVIEW

Photobiomodulation (PBM) or formerly known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is nothing but low-dosage biophotonics for therapy which presents an advancing new era of regenerative modalities in dental implantology. It utilizes light emitting diodes (LEDs), broad light sources and lasers for this purpose. Photobiomodulation is intended for relieving pain and inflammation, regulating immune responses as well as stimulating wound healing and tissue regeneration. This helps in combatting the main pathological causes of implant failures that are, peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis as well as helps promote osseointegration and improve stability of implants. While the scope of photobiomodulation has been thoroughly investigated in in-vitro and animal studies, human clinical trials are still scarce which makes appropriate protocol formation with respect to dosage and mode of delivery among other parameters difficult. A recently introduced and potential application of photobiomodulation in the field of implantology aims to deliver the positive effects of biophotonics through in-situ ambulatory PBM therapy called the smart dental implant (SDI) system. This comprehensive review presents the current and future trends in the application of photobiomodulation in the field of dental implantology.