Photobiomodulation for post-operative pain, swelling and trismus after third molar surgery

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This review of the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on pain, oedema, and trismus after extraction of impacted mandibular third molars included 33 RCTs. However 30 of the included studies were considered to be at high risk of bias, and while the results suggested small benefits for PBM in relation to reduction of pain and swelling these were not considered to be clinically important.

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Third molar surgery – Er:Yag lasers and post-operative problems

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This review of the effectiveness of Er:YAG lasers in reducing pain, oedema and trismus compared to rotary instruments for the removal of impacted lower third molars included 6 small studies only one of which was at low risk of bias. The findings suggest a reduction in swelling and a small reduction in pain however the findings should be viewed cautiously because of the limited amount and quality of the evidence.

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Dentine hypersensitivity: Is low-level light therapy effective?

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This review assessing the efficacy of low-level light therapy (LLLT) on dentine hypersensitivity included 35 studies 27 of which were RCTs. The findings showed an immediate, interim and persistant benifical effect compared to placebo. However the certainty of the evidence was only low to very low.

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Low-level laser therapy in the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis

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Manas Dave takes a look at this review evaluating the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients who might or have developed oral mucositis during chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

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Dentine hypersensitivity: lasers v topical desensitising agents

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This review comparing the effectiveness of lasers and topical desensitising agent treatments for dentine hypersensitivity included 13 studies. None of the studies was at low risk of bias so the evidence is of low-quality and insufficient to draw any conclusions on the superiority of lasers or conventional topical desensitising agents.

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Gag reflex management during dental treatment

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This update of a Cochrane review of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for the management of gagging in people undergoing dental treatment found very low-certainty evidence from four trials that was insufficient to conclude if there is any benefit of acupuncture, acupressure or laser at P6 point in reducing gagging and allowing successful completion of dental procedures.

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Lasers for dentine hypersensitivity a network meta-analysis

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This review of the effects of different types of lasers on dentine hypersensitivity included 11 RCTs suggesting no significant differences between Er,Cr:YSGG, Nd:YAG, Er:YAG, and GaAlAs lasers both in the immediate term and at 1 month.

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Dentine Hypersensitivity: Which agents are most effective?

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This review of treatments used to treat dentine hypersensitivity. 254 different agents were tested with all showing some effectiveness in short term.

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Photobiomodulation therapy and dental implant stability and success

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8 small short term RCTs were included in this review of the effect of photobiomodulation (low-level laser therapy) on dental implant stability and success suggesting no differences

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Denture stomatitis: Is there a role for low-level laser therapy?

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This review of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of denture stomatitis only identified 4 small RCTs providing limited low quality evidence of clinical effectiveness.

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