Low energy laser in periodontal healing

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the results and the methodology of the studies about the potential effects of low energy laser (LEL) irradiation on the healing of the periodontal tissue, using databases of MEDLINE between 1992 to 2007. Basically, 2 types of low energy laser are utilized: Helium Neon (HeNe), with wavelength of 633nm and diodo lasers like Gallium-Aluminium-Arsenide (AsGaAl), Gallium-Arsenide(AsGa) and Indium- Gallium- Aluminium-Phosphide (InGaAlP) whose wavelength range between 635-950 nm. A total of 59 studies were observed and whitin these, 9 were selected and show that LEL is associated with healing, because of its potencial to reduce the local levels of prostaglandin; to increase the levels of beta endorphin; to estimulate the production of cellular ATP and the discharge of growth factors; as well as the cellular proliferation and collagen synthesis; and the decrease of bleeding of probing . These findings suggest that, the LEL seems to benefit the process of tissue healing. However, the analysis of the studies and a sugestion to use LEL are dificult because of the diversity of methodology, such as differences between wavelength, dosimetry, and the type and the design of the studies.