Efficacy of Photobiomodulation in the Management of Pain and Inflammation after Dental Implants: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-invasive procedure used to manage pain and inflammation. The aim of this study is to quantitatively measure pain and inflammation and to compare the proposed PBM treatment with a simulated treatment (PBM-SHAM) in patients with dental implants. Materials and Methods: A total of 62 patients were included and randomized into two groups. Group 1 (PBM) consisted of 31 patients subjected to the insertion of dental implants and a single intraoral PBM session with an EPIC X Biolase (0.5 W and 15 J/cm(2)) diode laser. Group II (PBM-SHAM) included 31 patients subjected to dental implants and a simulated PBM. Each patient was given a document with visual analog scales (VASs) to record pain and inflammation during the 7 days post-surgery. The patients were assessed at the end of the week to remove the sutures, to collect the VASs, and to re-evaluate the surveys. Results: Through the use of mixed effects models, it was found that the length of time after the surgery and the number of implants placed during the intervention were important variables that had an influence on pain and inflammation. Conclusions: PBM is a non-invasive and safe treatment. Postoperative pain and inflammation associated with implant surgery decreased in a similar manner over time, independently of the application of PBM. Therefore, more randomized studies are needed with a standardized methodology to adequately assess the efficacy of this therapy.