Low-level Laser Therapy: A Review of Its Applications in the Management of Oral Mucosal Disorders.

Due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and biostimulating effects, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been widely used for oral disorders, such as oral lichen planus (OLP), xerostomia, recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), herpes labialis, burning mouth syndrome (BMS), and oral mucositis (OM). The research team for the present study has reviewed the literature on the subject, with an emphasis on the applicability of LLLT in general and of its various clinical protocols for the management of those oral disorders. In lesions such as the ones occurring in OM, RAS, herpes labialis, and OLP, the course of wound healing and the pain have been shown to decrease, with a few, or most often, no adverse side effects. The literature shows that LLLT can also be effective in reducing symptoms in patients with BMS. For the treatment of hyposalivation and xerostomia, the use of LLLT has been described in the literature, but no consensus has resulted. Very few controlled clinical studies with well-established therapeutic protocols have occurred, except for OM, for which LLLT has been widely researched. Although information on the use of the laser for some lesions has already been consolidated, further research is needed, especially randomized, controlled clinical trials with long-term follow-up. Those studies will allow the safe use of LLLT, permitting the creation of care protocols for the management of oral disorders.

Lasers and pediatric dental care.

There are several types of lasers that will allow pediatric dentists to remove soft tissue (such as diode or Neodynium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers) or remove both hard and soft tissue (such as the Erbium:YAG laser), in addition to photobiostimulation or therapeutic lasers that produce their healing benefits without producing heat. Lasers allow pediatric dentists to provide optimal care without many of the fear factors that result from conventional dental techniques. Lasers are extremely safe and effective when the user has a proper understanding of laser physics. Using lasers for caries removal, bone removal, and soft tissue treatment can reduce postoperative discomfort and infection and make it possible for dentists to provide safe, simple treatments.

Lasers and soft tissue treatments for the pediatric dental patient.

Historically, oral soft tissue surgery on infants and young children was completed in the operating room under a general anesthetic agent. Many children were referred to an oral surgeon and required a physician's physical examination and medical clearance for a hospital admission. potentially placed a child at risk during the use of a general anesthetic for an elective procedure, which may not have insurance benefits. Traditional methods of oral surgery using scalpels or electrosurgery may produce significant postoperative discomfort and require sutures and prolonged healing. Lasers provide a simple and safe in-office alternative for children while at the same time reducing the chances of infection, swelling, discomfort, and scaring.

Low-level-laser therapy as an alternative treatment for primary herpes simplex infection: a case report.

Gingivostomatitis is the most common primary and symptomatic clinical manifestation of HSV-1 infection. Painful oral lesions appear as ulcerative erosions on the gingiva, palate, buccal mucosa, and tongue, leading to eating and drinking difficulties with an evolution between 10-14 days. This paper describes a case of a 19-month-old boy with severe painful Gingivostomatitis lesions. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) was used with an immediate outcome.

[The clinico-experimental validation of the use of low-intensity laser radiation for the treatment of exacerbated recurrent herpetic stomatitis in children]. / Kliniko-éksperimental'noe obosnovanie primeneniia nizkointensivnogo lazernogo izlucheniia dlia lecheniia obostreniia retsidiviruiushchego gerpeticheskogo stomatita u detei.

Experimental data are presented, validating the use of low-intensity laser irradiation at a wave length of 633 nm for the treatment of chronic recurrent herpetic stomatitis. Clinical trials were carried out in 167 children. Laser exposure with the optimal stimulating parameters was found to be an effective means for the treatment of children suffering from this condition.