The dental profession has been on the leading edge of research using cold laser, with over 100 clinical trials in the last year alone. The cold laser is effective in reducing pain and inflammation, as well as accelerate soft tissue repair by increasing collagen formation. The five following dental conditions are common and have shown excellent results by applying cold laser:
TMJ Dysfunction is dentally addressed with TMJ splints to realign a bite issue, but it is often treated in conjunction with manual therapy, as there is increased soft tissue pain and headaches when the splint is adjusted. Studies have shown that there is a clinically significant reduction in jaw pain and increased mandibular movement with cold laser, as effective as splinting. Even greater results are shown when using both splints and cold laser together.
Gingivitis improved dramatically with the inclusion of cold laser with traditional periodontal treatment than with traditional treatment alone. There was a reduction in bleeding, gum inflammation, and plaque, all important to prevent advancement of dental cavities.
Dental extraction pain can be substantially reduced with using cold laser following the extraction. Studies showed substantial reduction of pain and inflammation and improved healing compared to the control groups.
Orthodontic forces involving braces were split mouth studies, where laser was applied on one side of the mouth only, so the patient is their own control. There was significant reduction of pain on the laser side after brace readjustments and interestingly increased tooth movement, which could decrease treatment time. Cold laser was also used in a clinical trial involving maxilla expansion, and there was not only a reduction of pain, but increased opening of the midpalate suture and accelerated bone regeneration compared to the control group.
Oral ulcers and cold sores are seen secondarily in the dental profession, and using cold laser has shown to not only reduce pain, but speed healing of these conditions and in the instance of cold sores, even help prevent reoccurrence.
The amount of time involved for dental applications of laser is minimal, as the area is often small, so only minutes would be required, allowing an easy integration into the dental practice. But best of all would be improved patient outcomes, and less pain, making it less fearful to go to the dentist!
