Laser Photobiomodulation After Dental Implant Surgery: A Comparison of 650 nm and 810 nm Diode Lasers

Comparative Effects of 650 nm and 810 nm Diode Laser Photobiomodulation on Postoperative Pain, Analgesic Use, and OHRQoL After Dental Implant Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of laser light therapy, known as photobiomodulation (PBM), in reducing pain after dental implant surgery. The study involves adult patients receiving a single dental implant in the upper posterior (back) area of the mouth. Participants are randomly assigned to receive PBM using either a 650 nm red diode laser, an 810 nm infrared diode laser, or a sham (inactive) laser.

The study aims to assess whether PBM therapy can reduce pain during the first three days after surgery, decrease the need for pain medication, and improve oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). PBM is applied immediately after surgery and again within 48 hours. Pain intensity is measured at multiple time points (2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours), analgesic use is recorded, and OHRQoL is evaluated using a standardized questionnaire.

This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial assessed the short-term effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) using 650 nm and 810 nm diode lasers on postoperative pain, analgesic intake, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) following single dental implant placement in the posterior maxilla.

Methods:

Sixty participants were randomized into three equal groups (650 nm PBM, 810 nm PBM, or sham). All underwent a standardized H-design flap surgery and implant placement. PBM was applied at three points around the implant (buccal, palatal, crestal) using 100 mW power for 60 seconds per point (total 18 J), repeated within 48 hours.

Outcomes:

Primary outcome: Pain intensity measured using an 11-point Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery.

Secondary outcomes: Number of analgesics used (acetaminophen 1000 mg as needed), and changes in OHRQoL as measured by the OHIP-14 questionnaire at baseline, 1 week after implant placement, and 1 week after crown delivery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 20-65 years.
• Indicated for single dental implant placement in the posterior maxilla.
• ASA physical status I or II.
• Good oral health.
• Willingness and ability to comply with study procedures and follow-up schedule.
• Able to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of analgesics, NSAIDs, or corticosteroids within 48 hours prior to surgery.
• History of alcohol abuse or regular consumption of >14 drinks/week (men) or >7 drinks/week (women), or withdrawal within the last 6 months.
• History of chronic pain or long-term pain medication use.
• Need for grafting, sinus lift, or complex implant procedures.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Uncontrolled systemic disease (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, immunodeficiency).
• History of epilepsy, photosensitivity, or contraindications to laser therapy.
• Allergy or contraindication to acetaminophen.
• Previous implant or surgical treatment in the same site within the past 6 months.
• Heavy smokers (>12 cigarettes/day) or individuals who quit smoking within the past 6 months.