Effect of Photobiomodulation on Postoperative Pain of Single Visit Endodontic Treatment: A Case Report

Abstract

Photobiomodulation (PBM), formerly known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a therapeutic technique that utilizes light at specific wavelengths to promote biological effects in cells and tissues. It can be applied to alleviate postoperative pain, accelerate healing, and reduce inflammation. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of Photobiomodulation (PBM) on postoperative pain following the treatment of two maxillary molars in a single-visit endodontic procedure. A patient with pain in teeth 1.6 and 1.7, diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis, received single visit endodontic treatment, with PBM used as an analgesic alternative. Before treatment, assessments of spontaneous pain, palpation (vestibular and palatal), and percussion (vertical and horizontal) were performed. After standard treatment, PBM was applied to tooth 1.7, while tooth 1.6 underwent a simulated procedure without device activation. The patient received a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to record pain at 4, 8, and 12 hours after treatment, along with Paracetamol 750mg for use only if needed, recording the time of use. After 24 hours, a reassessment was conducted. Despite an increase in all pain levels compared to baseline, there was a reduction of over 50% in spontaneous pain parameters at all time points, reaching zero at 4 hours. There was a significant reduction in horizontal percussion (over 50%) and vertical percussion (about 29%), and a 36% increase in palatal palpation. There was no need for analgesics in any case. It is concluded that PBM may be an analgesic alternative for post-endodontic instrumentation spontaneous pain, acting on the periodontal ligament and reducing local inflammation. Larger studies are needed for a more comprehensive analysis of pain, including palpation and percussion.