RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The goal of this investigation is to analyze the effect of therapeutic low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to have a possibility to check pain and inflammation connected with surgical removal of impacted lower third molars in general anesthesia or even phobia [not accompanied by pain or fear of dental treatment, using immunologic markers-secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and lysozyme]. The healing process was also monitored by infrared thermography. BACKGROUND DATA: LLLT can accelerate the proliferation phase of healing and decrease the inflammatory reaction, but the effect is not really clear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The treatment group comprised 213 impacted third molars (144 laser group and 74 placebo group). Laser radiation (diode laser 830 nm) was applied. The effectivity of laser therapy was evaluated based on immunological tests, that is, before and after treatment with sIgA and lysozyme in nonstimulated saliva. Thermographic examination was performed by infrared camera. RESULTS: After laser irradiation, the sIgA decreases from 546.91 mg/L (SD 354.58) to 304.91 mg/L (SD 191.96), and in the control group from 602.25 mg/L (SD 343.62) to 425.62 mg/L (SD 220.51); the differences were significant, the lysozyme value being lower. After laser therapy, the laser and placebo sides in the area of the third molars were differed in 0.2°C. CONCLUSIONS: The 830 nm wavelength penetrates to deep-seated tissues. A positive association was found between concentration of salivary sIgA and lysozyme in the saliva after LLLT application. The deep-seated wounds after wisdom teeth extraction had no effect on temperature rise in the face.