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The current status of low level laser therapy in dentistry, Part 1. Soft tissue applications
Author(s) -
Walsh L. J.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
australian dental journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.701
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1834-7819
pISSN - 0045-0421
DOI - 10.1111/j.1834-7819.1997.tb00129.x
Subject(s) - low level laser therapy , medicine , soft tissue , dentistry , laser therapy , panacea (medicine) , treatment modality , laser , alternative medicine , surgery , pathology , physics , optics
Despite more than 30 years of experience with low level laser therapy (LLLT) or ‘biostimulation’ in dentistry, concerns remain as to its effectiveness as a treatment modality. Controlled clinical studies have demonstrated that while LLLT is effective for some specific applications, it is not a panacea. This paper provides an outline of the biological basis of LLLT and summarizes the findings of controlled clinical studies of the use of LLLT for specific soft tissue applications in dentistry. Areas of controversy where there is a pressing need for further research are identified.