Photobiomodulation and its Application in Dentistry

Shaymaa Hussein Rafat Kotb^* Faculty of Dental Medicine, Department of Oral Medicine, Periodontology, Assuit branch, Ministry of , Egypt
^*Correspondence: Shaymaa Hussein Rafat Kotb, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Department of Oral Medicine, Periodontology, Assuit branch, Ministry of , Egypt,

Received: Oct 27, 2022, Manuscript No. AMDHS-22-78364; Editor assigned: Oct 28, 2022, Pre QC No. AMDHS-22-78364 (PQ); Reviewed: Oct 30, 2022, QC No. AMDHS-22-78364 (Q); Revised: Oct 31, 2022, Manuscript No. AMDHS-22-78364 (R); Published: Nov 10, 2022, DOI: 10.5530/amdhs.2022.3.8

Keywords

Photobiomodulation, Laser therapy, Diode laser, LLLT, Minimal invasive dentistry, Cosmotic dentistry

Introduction

The importance of light in our biological systems and processes can be seen clearly in our sleep–wake cycles, circadian rhythms, and in the absorption of vitamins. From this point our research is to thourogh the light on using the high-powered light (at specific wavelengths) in biology, creating a new perspective for its application in healing, protect the cells from dying and tissue engineering. LASER means a Light Amplification and Stimulated Emission Radiation. This is a device which produces light which is inphase (have the same frequency) is called coherent light. Lasers can be categorized as hard tissue lasers and soft tissue lasers, depending upon the type of laser-tissue interaction. Laser tissue interaction is dependent upon wavelength, tissue type, power (incident energy), and time. Wheresoever’s, the effect is ablative (essentially photothermic), direct and primary, such lasers are termed ‘hard like Carbon dioxide, NdYAG, and Er:YAG. They can be used for both hard and soft tissue application but they have limitations as they are expensive and cause thermal injury to the tooth pulp. Alternatively, where tissue effects are non-direct and through secondary (essential biostimulatory), intermediate action, such lasers are termed ‘soft’ or cold laser. This group also can be termed Low-Level Lasers Therapy (LLLT), Low Power Laser Therapy (LPLT), cold laser, biostimulation laser, bioregulation laser, photobiomodulation, photomedicine, medical laser, therapeutic laser, healing laser, non-thermal laser, low-intensity laser, lowreactive laser [1].

Photobiomodulation, is the application of specific wavelengths of light with a narrow spectral bandwidth light from red to near-infrared light with a power density of 1 mW/cm2 to 5000 mW/cm2 to modulate cell metabolism, signal transduction, and secretion in the body tissues (∼λ=600-1000) by reduce inflamation, accelerate healing, and increases cell viability by stimulating the mitochondrial and cell membrane photoreceptors synthesis of ATP. This process can be used in promoting the proliferation of osteoblasts so stimulate bone healing. That photons can stimulate a chemical change in neurones, that light energy can be converted to metabolic energy with a subsequent influence on the function and survival of the neurones. Photobiomodulation is not a targeted treatment; it can potentially adjunctive therapy to any neurone in distress [2].

Photobiomodulation (PBM), is a non-invasive, non-cutting treatment modality by using Low-Level Laser Light Therapy (LLLT), to produce low intensity energy light to provide pain relief by producing analgesic effect by inhibiting nociceptive signals ,moreover decrease inflammation and subsequent healing. In dentistry, it is used as an adjunct that supplements many hard and soft tissue procedures. So it seems to be an alternative approach of choice to address the need for immune regulation which especially used in Covid-19 crisis to immune regulate the cytokine storm in the bloodstream by T cells and macrophages, of which IL1-b, IL-2, IL- 8, IL-10, IL-6, IL-12, IFN-g, and TNF [3 4].

The cornerstone area of interest concerning PBM is its effect on susceptible stem cells, progenitor cells, and its potential in enhancing differentiation, and so improves the healing ability of tissues. The proliferation of stem cell improved by photobiomodulation, such as gingival fibroblasts, dental pulp stem cells extracted from permanent teeth, exfoliated deciduous teeth, in addition to mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow or adipose tissue. It can increase collagen production, the mitotic activity of epithelial cells and fibroblast [5].

The application of LLLT also stimulates various cells lymphocytes and mast cell which will produce anti-inflammatory actions causing changes in the capillary hydrostatic pressure which results in oedema absorption and elimination of intermediary metabolites. Even it can increase collagen production, the mitotic activity of epithelial cells and fibroblast. Moreover, it can produce an analgesic effect by inhibiting nociceptive signals [6].

Impact of PBM on cells aid in improved healing. For example, one theory states that PBM reacts with target cells photo-chemically. Mitochondria contain chromophores which absorb photons from PBM that result in encourages the activity of production of molecules such as Nitric Oxide (NO), ATP, calcium ions, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and other signaling molecules. Regulation of ROS levels is important, as it affects several signaling pathways responsible for the development and proliferation of stem cell. Bone healing is improved by laser therapies accelerating stem cell differentiation into osteoblasts and bone cells, and also through increasing calcium transport during the formation of bones [7, 8].

The mechanism of action for PBM on cells is photon radiation posits either directly or indirectly targeting DNA and the genome pool. Free radicals (including ROS) are produced on the impact of indirect, low laser radiation. High levels of ROS are cytotoxic, leading to multiple signaling cascades being interrupted. However, in low levels, ROS can be beneficial to red blood cells. ROS can generate normal metabolism in the production of ATP synthesis and regulate proteins that are affected by redox reactions and involved in proliferation and differentiation. Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes are involved in the normal run of the membrane potential of the mitochondria and collect ROS to ensure this. These enzymes stop the production of unnecessary ROS when the mitochondrial membrane potential has decreased, due to various factors caused by toxic environments, such as oxidative stress, damaged neurons, or the suppression of electron transport. While ROS production is stopped, COX will act to restore the mitochondrial potential back to normal levels. Regulation of ROS levels is important, as it affects several signaling pathways responsible for the development and proliferation of stem cells [9].

PBM enhancing bone regeneration which enhances both differentiation and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells into ostogenic bone cells so encourage the body’s natural repair/healing capability. Another technique of pulse repetitive laser radiation induces porous activity by introducing repetitive heat in the tissue thus stimulating angiogenesis by newly made blood vessels. The process of forming pores starts in area of heat that reaches cold areas, and this causes local strains and disruption of homeostasis. So, laser therapy approach can aid the process of tissue repair and regeneration is by increasing bone grafts porosity. It is the application of laser light energy to living tissues to generate biosimulation effects without causing an excessive rise in temperature [10, 11].

Lasers with different characteristics have been employed in different branches of dentistry. Depending on the composition of semi-conductors, a wave with different frequency (length) can be generated. Diode lasers consists of wavelengths of 445 nm to 980 nm which stimulate wound healing after surgery, Some of the most popular lasers in implant surgery for cutting soft tissues are lasers with waves in the range of 808 nm-980 nm [12, 13].

Dental Laser, like CO2 and diode lasers used for the decontamination of the implant surface. Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers at low-intensity have bactericidal effects. Herefore, when used to decontaminate and regenerate peri-implant bone defects, dental lasers may be a viable option for positively affecting RBL changes during peri-implantitis treatment. LLLT may enhance bone gain in peri-implantitis defects, reduce BOP and PDs [14].

Laser and Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are widely used in almost every field of clinical dentistry, and for the therapy of numerous diseases like candidiasis treatment, burning mouth syndrome and periodontitis and in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis. PBM used in orthodontic treatment to alivate pain after orthodontic appliance placement and in orthodontic ceramic brackets cementation. It also improves osseointegration, collagen deposition, and achieves faster bone-remodeling, In surgical-assisted therapy, such as implant and mini-implant placement, it was shown to assist implant stability and improves osseointegration, collagen deposition, and achieves faster bone-remodeling and reduce healing time along with swelling, so improvement of postoperative comfort and in and in temporomandibular joint problems. LLLT can be applied directly to the superficial mucosa before the injection, which will produce a good anesthetic effect. All this applications changing the dental healthcare approaches and patient’s quality of life [15-18].

There is a great interest on application of Laser therapy on oral medicine conditions, like recurrent aphthous ulcer for immediate relief pain and improve wound healing. PBM can also used in recurrent herpes infections which resistant to treatment. The primary benefit is that it is a non-surgical technique, which will reduce the incidence of oedema and inflammations. The cellular targets for PBM include the inhibition of cyclooxygenase resulting in the reduced production of prostaglandins, which act as key mediators of the acute inflammatory response. Consequent to the analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions of PBM, it has been proposed as a tool that may permit a locally directed alternative to systemic drugs without the risks of allergy, toxicity, impaired healing and other important medical issues such as addiction [19-21].

Modern paediatric dentistry use (LLLT) in Caries Detection and Diagnosis: By using diagnodent (Kavo, Biberach, Germany, a portable laser diode based device, in Pulpotomy). The main advantages of laser-assisted pulpotomies were: less chair side time and painless procedure thus increasing paediatric patient’s co-operation. The Diode laser is the most frequently used due to its reliability, versatility and convenience, together with its handiness and simple set-up. Lasers apply in Apexogenesis in children so reinforces the overall sterilizing procedure, and laser coagulation produces a thin necrotic layer over the vital remaining pulp. The advantage of this application, vital pulp responds in the formation of a dentin bridge. Another modern application of LLLT in Frenectomy, which carried out with diode laser at a wavelength of 800 nm and power of 2 W in non-contact mode proved that the laser can be considered as a simple and safe alternative for children while reducing the amount of local anaesthetics, the bleeding and the chances of infection, swelling and discomfort [22-25].

LLLT can be used in treatment oral mucosal lesion like lichen planus, which considered a type of disease which has an unknown cause. The T-lymphocytes are the ones that are responsible for the pathogenesis, notreatment is needed except for relief burning sensation and to preventfurther malignant transformation. In addition, there are two types of theeffects that a low-level laser produces: primary and secondary. Primarily, itcauses vasodilation, lymphatic drainage, cellular activity and metabolism,enhancement of the flow of blood, activation of fibroblast and neutrophils, and stimulation of pain threshold. The secondary effect is the aggregationof prostaglandin, immunoglobulin and lymphocytes, and beta-endorphinin the tissue encephalin. Therefore, this will reduce infectionand inflammation, pain, soreness, and immuneresponse [26].

Oral leukoplakia has also shown regression with laser therapy. CO2 lasers are very beneficial in treating oral leukoplakia. It causes minimal swelling and pain. Photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolevulinic acid and apulse dye laser is used to maintain the regression of the leukoplakia. Although it is less invasive and painful and it shows better aesthetics, there has been a reoccurrence of the dysplastic oral leukoplakia after oral surgery in the instances of smoking directly after the surgery. So, changes in oral habits have a great influence on the outcome of the laser surgery [27].

Oral mucositis which is considered as the most painful oral lesion requires narcotic analgesic and can reduce the quality of life. Factors that influence the growth of the oral mucositis are chemotherapeutic regimen, the type of malignancy, patients’ age, neutrophil counts and the use of oral care measure. There are many side effects for the oncologic therapy such as ulcerations, alopecia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and oropharyngeal mucositis. The condition is worsened if accompanied by poor oral hygiene, pre-existing intraoral lesions, deficient immune status, and high-level proinflammatory cytokines. The most involved tissues are the non-keratinized tissues, the lateral borders of the tongue, and the floor of the mouth, and many therapeutic and preventive measures such as analgesics, cryotherapy, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents’ growth factors and biological mucosal protectants should be prescribed. The application of LLLT has shown a significant reduction in the pain associated with oral mucositis as well as quicker healing of the oral lesions [28].

Another LLLT application with Fordyce granule excision using a combination of the low-intensity and high-intensity lasers has produced increased aesthetics results and quicker healing with reduced postoperative pain and inflammation [29].

In recent years, dental manufacturers have introduced a new generation of zirconia ceramics that are suitable for tooth reconstruction in the esthetic zone. High-Translucent Monolithic Zirconia (HTZ) has gained much interest from patients with esthetic demands because of its superior optical properties. HTZ materials possess significantly lower flexural strength (550 MPa to 800 MPa instead of 900 MPa to 1400 MPa), and even poorer adhesive behavior with resin based cements as compared to conventional zirconia. Laser surface treatment of HTZ ceramics is a promising alternative method to enhance the mechanical retention of resin cement as it is related to effective bond strengthening, without causing any surface contamination of zirconia specimens [30].

Laser therapy could improve Self-Adhering Flowable Composite (SAC) dentinal bond strength after thermocycling and significantly increased Shear Bond Strength (SBS) in comparison to non-irradiated dentin so improving its longevity [31].

Diode laser 980 nm is in the near infrared position of the electromagnetic spectrum. A part of this energy is absorbed by the dentinal components provoking melting of the dentin structure. The absorption coefficients of diode lasers are low in dentin which propagate generation of heat on pulp and so irreversible pulpitis so the application of graphite paste enhances the absorption of the beam on the dentin surface since prevent undesirable effect on pulp. The graphite will also provoke an important increase of temperature localized at the dentinal surface to close the dentinal tubules and so aid in treatment dentinal hypersensitivity [32].

Currently, there are a lot of laser wavelengths that are used in dentistry, specifically oral surgery, including CO2, Argon, Nd YAG, KTP that are applied in various specialties in dentistry including the caries diagnosis and removal, light curing of the composite, control of bleeding in vascular lesions. Furthermore, they have been used in the temporomandibular joint surgery, the activation of tooth bleaching solutions, and the soft tissue procedures, for example, gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, excision of tumours, excision of biopsies, and second stage recovery of implants [6].

Results

There is a positive clinical outcome of using PBM modality in modern dentistry approach. Laser dentistry has been a benchmark in dentistry and is truly the future of this field. PBM or LLLT show significance value as adunctive or alternative to failed or resistant conventional modality treatment. LLLT is an easy ,simple ,shorter chair time, mostly technique accepted by patients and moreover reduce pain intensity, stimulate healing capacity, better coagulation and no need for suturing so gain more patients acceptance moreover reduce clinician fatigue and stress (TABLE 1-3).