Laser therapies for oral lichen planus: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses with evidence-based recommendations from the Polish Society for Laser Dentistry.

Abstract

The objective of the study was to comprehensively synthesize and critically evaluate the effectiveness, safety and clinical applicability of various laser therapies in the management of oral lichen planus (OLP), including photodynamic therapy (PDT), photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT), and to provide guidelines for clinicians.A structured literature review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, and recommendations were formulated. A total of 23 relevant studies published between 2015 and 2025 were identified through searches of multiple biomedical databases. The risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed, focusing on clinical outcomes such as reduction in lesion severity, pain relief, mucosal healing, and recurrence rates.Laser therapies demonstrated effectiveness in reducing lesion size and pain, with safety profiles comparable to or superior to those of conventional corticosteroid treatments. Photobiomodulation therapy and HILT showed particularly favorable outcomes, including lower recurrence rates and fewer adverse effects. However, heterogeneity in treatment protocols and laser parameters limited direct comparisons, with corticosteroids remaining the first-line treatment.Laser-based therapies are valuable adjuncts or alternatives for patients with OLP who are intolerant to corticosteroids. Standardized treatment protocols and further large-scale randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up periods are needed to optimize clinical guidelines and enable personalized therapy. Photobiomodulation therapy is recommended as the safest and most effective modality for erosive OLP.