We use a huge number of innovations every day in the dental practice. Some of our instruments, materials and technologies have obscure beginnings, having started out life in completely different industries and with very different roles to play.
I am always interested to find out more about the products I routinely use in practice and so it was intriguing to discover that the lasers used in oral surgery are, in fact, part of a much broader family of solutions used to support a vast range of health conditions and outcomes. Dental lasers utilise photobiomodulation (PBM), which is a light therapy that affords a huge number of benefits across the medical field.
What is photobiomodulation?
PBM is a non-invasive red or near-infrared light therapy, also known as low-level light therapy (LLLT), used to promote healing and relieve pain. The concept was first introduced in the 1960s by Hungarian physicist, Endre Mester, and NASA. They were attempting to utilise light therapy as a way of improving the quality of medical care available to astronauts during prolonged space missions.
LED lights, especially those emitting near-infrared light, were found to stimulate cell mitochondria by activating the colour sensitive chemicals within. The technology has since been the subject of different research fields and has been applied to various situations. Promising results have been published in wound healing, cancer treatment, diabetes treatment and cell growth, though studies continue in some areas to establish safe and effective treatment options.[i]
Indications in dentistry
Today, LED light and lasers are used in medical and dental environments to stimulate cell function, repair tissue and reduce inflammation. The minimally invasive solution is associated with few negative side effects, making it suitable for a broad range of patients. In dentistry, we often reach for lasers with wavelengths that utilise PBM therapy to accurately cut through the soft tissue during surgical procedures – at least part of the reason these are so effective is because they promote fast healing of the wounds.[ii] There is also emerging evidence that PBM could be used prior to endodontic surgery as a form of post-operative pain management, though conflicting results exist in the research to date.[iii] [iv]
Wide-reaching applications
However, these are not the only ways that PBM can be implemented to improve health and wellbeing. This light therapy has been proven to lower symptoms of anxiety and reduce drug cravings in those recovering from substance abuse.[v] It is also an emerging treatment option for mood disorders like depression.[vi]
The neurological effects of PBM are also being explored. Early research into its impact on epilepsy suggests an ability to regulate the neuronal structure, synapses and survival, reducing acute seizure activity.[vii] [viii] Studies also indicate its usefulness in treating traumatic brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.[ix]
A novel winter warmer
By improving mood and combatting the increased depressive feelings often experienced in winter,[x] PBM is a great companion. But that’s not all it does for the human body in the colder months. The literature suggests PBM to be a potentially significant immunomodulatory tool as well.[xi] Through mitochondrial stimulation and modulation of inflammatory pathways, it shows promise in not only improving immune regulation but also treating autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Innovation remains king
Whether you integrate PMB into your daily dentistry or not, it is important to be aware of the latest technological developments in the profession. Dentistry is constantly evolving, with new equipment regularly being brought to market that has been designed to enhance clinical outcomes while streamlining the professional workflow and supporting an excellent patient journey. Staying informed about new technologies and understanding how to utilise them for the benefit of your patients is integral to delivering exceptional care.
This is, and has always been, at the core of my own practice and that of my colleagues at EndoCare, where we remain committed to utilising state-of-the-art equipment, materials and techniques to optimise treatment outcomes and elevate the patient experience. Whenever you refer a patient to us for advanced endodontic procedures, you can rest assured that they will receive a five-star service before returning to you for their ongoing care.
For further information about the endodontic referral services available from EndoCare, please call 020 7224 0999 or visit www.endocare.co.uk
Dr Michael Sultan Specialist Endodontist – Endocare
[i] Whelan H, Houle J, Whelan N, Donohoe D, Cwiklinski J, Schmidt M, Gould L, Larson D, Meyer G, Cevenini V, Stinson H. (2000). The NASA light-emitting diode medical program-progress in space flight and terrestrial applications. 504. 37-43. 10.1063/1.1302454.
[ii] Dompe C, Moncrieff L, Matys J, Grzech-Leśniak K, Kocherova I, Bryja A, Bruska M, Dominiak M, Mozdziak P, Skiba THI, Shibli JA, Angelova Volponi A, Kempisty B, Dyszkiewicz-Konwińska M. Photobiomodulation-Underlying Mechanism and Clinical Applications. J Clin Med. 2020 Jun 3;9(6):1724. doi: 10.3390/jcm9061724. PMID: 32503238; PMCID: PMC7356229.
[iii] Kadam AS, Merwade S, Kumar Neelakantappa K, Naik SB, Brigit B, Bhumralkar SS, Naik BH. Effect of Laser Photobiomodulation on Postoperative Pain in Endodontics: A Systematic Review. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2024 Jan;42(1):11-19. doi: 10.1089/photob.2023.0129. PMID: 38252493.
[iv] Machado GGA, Ferreira GF, Mello EdS, Ando-Suguimoto ES, Roncolato VL, Oliveira MRC, Tognini JA, Paisano AF, Camacho CP, Bussadori SK, et al. Effect of Photobiomodulation on Post-Endodontic Pain Following Single-Visit Treatment: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial. Journal of Personalized Medicine. 2025; 15(8):347. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15080347
[v] Helali, H., Samani, N., Tabeie, F. et al. The effectiveness of Transcranial Photobiomodulation therapy (tPBM) on reducing anxiety, depression, and opioid craving in patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment: a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry 25, 94 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-06555-3
[vi] Ji Q, Yan S, Ding J, Zeng X, Liu Z, Zhou T, Wu Z, Wei W, Li H, Liu S, Ai S. Photobiomodulation improves depression symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Psychiatry. 2024 Jan 31;14:1267415. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1267415. Erratum in: Front Psychiatry. 2025 Sep 10;16:1671091. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1671091. PMID: 38356614; PMCID: PMC10866010.
[vii] Hong, N., Kim, H.J., Kang, K. et al. Photobiomodulation improves the synapses and cognitive function and ameliorates epileptic seizure by inhibiting downregulation of Nlgn3. Cell Biosci 13, 8 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13578-022-00949-6
[viii] Torres-Martinez N, Chabardes S, Mitrofanis J. Lights for epilepsy: can photobiomodulation reduce seizures and offer neuroprotection? Neural Regen Res. 2023 Jul;18(7):1423-1426. doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.360288. PMID: 36571337; PMCID: PMC10075120.
[ix] Yang M, Yang Z, Wang P, Sun Z. Current application and future directions of photobiomodulation in central nervous diseases. Neural Regen Res. 2021 Jun;16(6):1177-1185. doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.300486. PMID: 33269767; PMCID: PMC8224127.
[x] Della DF, Allison S, Bidargaddi N, et al. An umbrella systematic review of seasonality in mood disorders and suicide risk: the impact on demand for primary behavioral health care and acute psychiatric services. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2023;25(3):22r03395.
[xi] Al Balah OF, Rafie M, Osama AR. Immunomodulatory effects of photobiomodulation: a comprehensive review. Lasers Med Sci. 2025 Apr 11;40(1):187. doi: 10.1007/s10103-025-04417-8. PMID: 40214677; PMCID: PMC11991943.
