Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in Pain Management and Healing of Oral Mucosal Ulcers: A Meta-Analysis of Recent Clinical Trials
Keywords:
Low-level laser therapy, oral mucosal ulcers, photobiomodulation, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, oral mucositis, pain management, meta-analysisAbstract
Oral mucosal ulcers, including recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (CIOM), and traumatic ulcers, are common and painful conditions frequently encountered in dental practice. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological modality for pain control and accelerated tissue repair. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of LLLT compared with placebo or conventional therapy in reducing pain intensity and promoting ulcer healing. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library identified randomized controlled trials published between 2015 and 2024. Primary outcomes included pain reduction measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and ulcer healing time, analyzed using random-effects models. Twenty-three RCTs involving 1,284 participants were included. LLLT significantly reduced pain (SMD = −1.82; 95% CI: −2.31 to −1.34; p < 0.001) and shortened healing time (WMD = −2.74 days; 95% CI: −3.45 to −2.04; p < 0.001), with moderate heterogeneity (I² = 54%). Diode lasers (808–980 nm) showed the greatest therapeutic benefit. Overall, LLLT is an effective and safe intervention for managing oral mucosal ulcers.
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