Analgesic Efficacy of Low‐Level Laser Therapy for Postoperative Endodontic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

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Authors: Gabriela Bonacina, Rafael Chies Hartmann, Maximiliano Schünke Gomes, Daiana Elisabeth Böttcher
Cited by: 1
References: 31

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