Photobiomodulation Effects on the Post-operative Sequalae Following Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Abstract

The postoperative period following Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion (SARME) is often characterized by pain, edema, and paresthesia. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been shown to effectively alleviate symptoms after minor oral surgical procedures; however, it has not yet been evaluated in the postoperative setting of SARME. This pilot study aimed to assess the effects of PBM on managing pain, edema, and paresthesia in patients post-SARME utilizing LED devices. PBM represents a future possibility to substitute or reduce the use of medications after surgical treatments. A total of thirty-one cases performed by three surgeons were included, with pre- and postoperative evaluations conducted by two blinded examiners. Prior to surgery, facial measurements and sensitivity assessments were carried out. Subsequently, participants were randomly assigned to either the PBM group (n=15), receiving eight applications of PBM (immediate postoperative period and on days 1, 2, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90 following the surgeries), or the control group, which underwent simulated irradiation. Data were collected for up to 120 days post-surgery. Although no significant differences were observed between the groups for any evaluated outcome, these findings underscore the need for further research to explore the optimal parameters and conditions for PBM application. Future investigations may reveal potential avenues for enhancing the efficacy of PBM in the postoperative management of patients following SARME.