Efficacy of Low-level Laser Therapy in Minimising Morbidity Associated with Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molar - A Comparative Study

• Published in: Annals of maxillofacial surgery Vol. 15; no. 1; pp. 14 - 18
• Main Authors: Jha, Manisha, Marimallappa, T. R., Kumar, R. Mahesh, Kumar, K. R. Ashok, Pal, Supriyo, Varsha, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Wolters Kluwer - Medknow 2025; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd
• Edition: 2
• Subjects: Comparative analysis; Health aspects; Lasers in medicine; Lasers in surgery; Morbidity; Original - Comparative Study; Original Article - Comparative Study; Efficacy; third molar extraction; morbidity; low-level laser therapy
• ISSN: 2231-0746; 2249-3816
• DOI: 10.4103/ams.ams_247_23

Abstract Introduction: Lower third molar surgeries are most commonly associated with morbidities such as swelling, trismus, post-operative infection, dry socket and pain. Various modalities have been tried to reduce these unwanted adverse effects. In this study, we have evaluated the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in minimising morbidity associated with removal of impacted mandibular third molar. Materials and Methods: This in-vivo study was conducted on 60 subjects with similar surgical protocol for both study and control group, with the additional intervention of LLLT in the former. Results: The results showed a statistically significant (P = 0.05) decrease in the level of pain, facial swelling and trismus in the study group. Discussion: LLLT, in continuous mode, has a significant effect in reducing post-extraction morbidities and formation of a stable blood clot within the tooth socket.