Photobiomodulation and oral wound healing

Wounds can be classified into different types based on the etiology, clinical presentation, degree of contamination, and the extent of involvement of overlying skin. Wound healing is a complex, dynamic, well-orchestrated biological process that plays a vital role in the survival of humans. Both wounding and wound healing may occur in any tissue or organ of the body. In adults, wound healing commences as a cascade and includes the following phases: 1. hemostasis, 2. inflammation, 3. proliferation, 4. angiogenesis, 5. re-epithelialization, and 6. cross linking of collagen. Photobiomodulation (PBM) or low level laser therapy employs light energy to produce biological cell response and to restore cell function. It uses nonionizing light sources such as light emitting diodes and lasers, in the visible and infrared spectrum, and it is found to elicit numerous therapeutic benefits such as immunomodulation, promotion of wound healing, and rapid regeneration of tissues. This review aims to explore the molecular mechanisms of PBM and its role in wound healing. Further studies on the molecular mechanisms of PBM and their pathways can preclude promising clinical interventions for wound care.