Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of postoperative surgical sequelae after surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars

INTRODUCTION: The study is aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the control of pain, swelling, and trismus after the surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on thirty patients requiring surgical removal of the impacted mandibular third molar. Mesioangular impacted third molar with class I level B position (according to the Pell and Gregory classification) were included in the study. The study group (n = 15) received LLLT using diode laser of wavelength 980 nm and the control group (n = 15) received routine postoperative care without LLLT. The parameters evaluated were intensity of pain, maximum mouth opening, postoperative swelling, healing at the surgical site, and presence of dry socket. RESULTS: The mean score of pain, swelling, and trismus in the study group were statistically lower as compared to the control groups. Healing assessment using Laury and Turnbull healing index inferred that the healing at the seventh postoperative day was superior in the study group as compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: LLLT with a diode laser of wavelength 980 nm can effectively reduce pain, swelling, and trismus in the postoperative phase after surgical extraction of the mandibular impacted third molar and promote healing at the operative site.