Analgesic Efficacy of Low‐Level Laser Therapy for Postoperative Endodontic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Abstract
ABSTRACT This systematic review analysed the analgesic efficacy of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) compared to conventional drug therapy and placebo for postoperative pain in endodontics. PubMed, PubMed Central, Scopus, LILACS, SciELO, Virtual Health Library, Embase and Open Gray were searched. Clinical trials assessing pain intensity were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2.0 tool. Nine studies were included, five classified as having low risk of bias. Eight studies demonstrated that LLLT was more effective in modulating postoperative pain compared to control interventions. Meta‐analysis of five studies ( I 2 = 31%) showed statistically significant pain reduction with LLLT in comparison with placebo after 1 day (VAS mean difference = −0.56; 95% CI = [−0.74 to −0.38]; p < 0.001). LLLT may improve postoperative pain control after endodontic treatment. Additional high‐quality studies are necessary to strengthen the evidence base for LLLT's analgesic efficacy in endodontic applications.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Laser Applications in Dentistry and Medicine
Endodontics and Root Canal Treatments
Dental Anxiety and Anesthesia Techniques
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Australian Endodontic Journal
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 52
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 310–322
- Publication date
- 6 January 2026
- Language
- EN