From Pain to Recovery: The Impact of Laser-Assisted Therapy in Dentistry and Cranio-Facial Medicine

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Laser-assisted therapy has significantly transformed clinical practices in dentistry and craniofacial medicine, offering superior precision, minimal invasiveness, reduced pain, and faster healing compared to conventional methods. This review synthesizes current evidence on the applications of lasers in diverse dental areas, including temporomandibular disorders (TMD), medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), and various therapeutic dental procedures. The strongest clinical evidence is observed in MRONJ management, where the Er: YAG laser achieves healing success rates ranging from 60% to 95%. Despite substantial advantages, variability in clinical outcomes, particularly regarding the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in temporomandibular disorder (TMD), highlights the need for standardized protocols and clearer guidelines. Challenges such as high equipment costs and specialized training requirements persist. Future research should focus on integrating advanced imaging with laser therapies and establishing consistent treatment protocols to further optimize patient outcomes.