The Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy on the Healing of Oral Wounds: A Systematic Review

Wound healing is an intricate process involving biological alterations in cellular integrity. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) includes special features that speed up tissue regeneration and wound healing. The objective of this review is to examine the outcomes of photobiomodulation therapy in terms of healing. A search strategy was prepared using MeSH terms and Boolean operators. The initial search was limited to randomized controlled trials in the English language from January 2014 until January 2024. An electronic search of the National Library of Medicine (NLM catalog), Google Scholar, and Scopus was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The studies used LLLT of various wavelengths and parameters on oral wound healing. A total of 54 records were identified through database searching. In total, 14 studies were included according to the inclusion criteria. Ten studies examined the effects of LLLT in post-surgical hard and soft tissue healing in humans. Four animal studies observed the efficacy of photobiomodulation on the healing of bone tissue. All investigations found a substantial contrast between control and laser groups concerning wound epithelialization. When used as an adjunct or a substitute, LLLT has advantages in terms of pain and inflammation by boosting acetylcholine esterase synaptic activity, beta-endorphin synthesis, and serotonin production. By promoting the growth of osteoblasts and fibroblasts, LLLT can enhance the production of new bone at an early stage. Hence, further studies and meta-analyses are required for a better understanding of the mechanism and to confirm the efficacy with different parameters.