Photobiomodulation as an adjuvant in the management of edema and postoperative pain in patients undergoing superior and inferior third molar extraction. Randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation as an adjuvant in the management of edema and postoperative pain in patients undergoing extraction of third molars. Materials and methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out consisting of 31 patients who attended the oral and maxillofacial surgery service for extraction of four third molars. One hemiface of the patient was randomly selected and irradiated using a dual wavelength 810-980 nm Gemini EVOTM Ultradent® diode laser, using an intraoral and extraoral protocol, after the surgical phase. All patients were irradiated immediately after surgery, 24 and 48 hours later. Postoperative pain was evaluated using VAS and postoperative edema was quantified using anthropometric points in mm. The variables were compared using student's t and Mann Whitney tests. Values p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: All facial measurements on the irradiated side were lower at 24 h, 48 h and 7 days, however, they were not statistically significant. Likewise, the pain was less on the irradiated side. Interestingly, when gender was evaluated, women responded to the laser with significantly less edema (p = 0.01). On the contrary, men responded better to pain on the irradiated side at 24 and 48 hours (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The results reflected relevant clinical improvement, suggesting that the diode laser can improve edema and pain after third molar surgery.