Intraoral versus extraoral single-session photobiomodulation therapy after lower third molar surgery: a pilot study

Purpose To compare the effects of intraoral or extraoral single-session photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in maximum incisal opening (MIO), edema, and pain after lower impacted third molar surgery. Study design A randomized crossover clinical trial was performed in healthy patients with bilateral lower third molar extraction need. Randomization defined the surgery side (right or left), group [intraoral (IL) or extraoral (EL)], and treatment (actual or placebo) by using a computer program. IL actual group received GaAlAs red laser irradiations at four intraoral points. EL actual group received infrared laser at four extraoral points. For the placebo groups, the laser equipment was kept off. The washout period was 30 days. Before and after each surgery, facial point distances evaluated maximum incisal distance (MIO) and edema. A visual analogical scale assessed pain at 4, 8, 24, and 48 h after surgery. Results Postoperative pain levels and edema were similar between the groups. MIO was significantly higher in the actual EL at 7 days after surgery. Conclusions Intraoral and extraoral single sessions of PBMT after lower third molar surgery are equally able to control pain and edema. Moreover, a single session of extraoral PBMT is more efficient in improving postoperative mouth opening.