Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery最新文献

{"title":"A Call to Reflect on the Wellness and Medical Indications of Photobiomodulation: What Challenges Lie Ahead?","authors":"Lidvine Godaert, Hélène Dewaele, Antoine Lemaire, Moustapha Dramé","doi":"10.1177/25785478261438098","DOIUrl":"10.1177/25785478261438098","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Photobiomodulation (PBM) can provide solutions for many medical conditions, as well as numerous wellness issues. The therapeutic indications for PBM devices are not always clearly defined, and there are no requirements for mandatory training for those administering treatment sessions. At a time when access to PBM is becoming more widespread (at home or in health or wellness centers), it seems important to discuss the indications for PBM treatments for wellness and health reasons. In this article, we discuss the boundaries between indications in the field of wellness and health, the potential economic impact of distinguishing between these two areas, and the conditions that must be met for treatments to be effective.</p>","PeriodicalId":94169,"journal":{"name":"Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery","volume":" ","pages":"285-287"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147625122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Photobiomodulation Therapy to Improve Glycemic Control in People with Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Francisco Costa da Rocha, Lara Maria Bataglia Espósito, Michael R Hamblin, Cleber Ferraresi","doi":"10.1177/25785478261433321","DOIUrl":"10.1177/25785478261433321","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Persistent hyperglycemia in T2DM disrupts mitochondrial metabolism, increases oxidative stress, and contributes to metabolic and vascular complications. PBM has emerged as a potential nonpharmacological strategy to modulate mitochondrial function and improve metabolic homeostasis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Recent clinical trials investigating PBM in T2DM were systematically synthesized. Methodological quality was assessed using the <i>Physiotherapy Evidence Database</i> scale, and certainty of evidence was evaluated with the <i>Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation</i> approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>PBM, predominantly using red and near-infrared wavelengths, was associated with reductions in fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, and glycated hemoglobin, as well as modulation of hemodynamic and metabolic parameters. Methodological quality ranged from moderate to high, while certainty of evidence was very low to low.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>PBM shows potential as an adjunctive therapy for glycemic control in T2DM, although further well-designed trials are required to strengthen evidence and standardize protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":94169,"journal":{"name":"Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery","volume":" ","pages":"275-284"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147488999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Comparison of Anticancer Efficiency of Methylene Blue- and Aluminum Phthalocyanine-Mediated Sonophotodynamic Therapy on Prostate Cancer Cells In Vitro.","authors":"Mehran Aksel, Ozlem Bozkurt Girit, Ali Ozmen, Mehmet Dincer Bilgin","doi":"10.1177/25785478261433604","DOIUrl":"10.1177/25785478261433604","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Prostate cancer ranks highest in male diagnoses and second in cancer-related deaths. Conventional treatments necessitate exploration of new modalities due to their side effects. Sonophotodynamic therapy (SPDT) represents a potential anticancer approach that integrates both sonodynamic and photodynamic therapies to improve the efficacy of cancer treatments. This study aims to evaluate and compare the mechanisms and anticancer efficacy of photodynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, and SPDT using methylene blue (MB) and aluminum phthalocyanine (AlPc) in the androgen-sensitive and androgen-insensitive prostate cancer cell lines. Cells were cultivated using different concentrations of MB and AlPc, followed by the exposure to ultrasound and/or light irradiation. Cell metabolic activity was assessed using the MTT assay, which evaluates mitochondrial enzyme function as an indicator of viability rather than clonogenic survival. Additionally, apoptosis was evaluated using Hoechst staining and Western blot analysis of apoptotic proteins, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant levels were determined through biochemical assays. Results showed significant proliferation inhibition, with SPDT exhibiting the highest efficacy. MB demonstrated superior efficiency compared to AlPc. The treatment groups displayed a greater quantity of apoptotic cells, indicating elevated levels of caspase-3, caspase-8, PARP, and Bax proteins, whereas levels of caspase-9 and Bcl-2 were lower compared to the control groups. Additionally, the treatments resulted in increased levels of ROS and malondialdehyde, while antioxidant activities were diminished. In summary, SPDT mediated by MB and AlPc presents promising potential for treating prostate cancer and may significantly contribute to apoptotic mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":94169,"journal":{"name":"Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery","volume":" ","pages":"313-323"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147489006","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy Using Chitosan-Encapsulated Indocyanine Green Improves Smear Layer Removal and Bond Strength to Caries-Affected Dentin: An In Vitro Study.","authors":"Mohammed Hussain Dafer Al Wadei, Shan Sainudeen, Muhammad Qasim, Haifa Arsalan, Kashan Siddiqui, Madiha Pirvani","doi":"10.1177/25785478261433608","DOIUrl":"10.1177/25785478261433608","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>An in vitro study to evaluate the efficacy of indocyanine green (ICG) encapsulated in chitosan (CHNPs) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂NPs) activated by 810-nm diode laser on smear layer (SL) removal and shear bond strength (SBS) to caries-affected dentin (CAD).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Sixty extracted human mandibular molars with CAD were randomly assigned to four groups (<i>n</i> = 15). Group 1: 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), Group 2: free ICG-activated PDT (ICG-PDT), Group 3: ICG-loaded TiO₂NPs-activated PDT (ICG-TiO₂NPs-PDT), and Group 4: ICG-loaded CHNPs-activated PDT (ICG-CHNPs-PDT). CHNPs and TiO₂NPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. SL removal was assessed qualitatively via SEM using the Hülsmann scale. A fifth-generation etch-and-rinse adhesive was applied with active scrubbing, and nanohybrid composite buildups were fabricated. Following thermocycling, SBS was measured using notched-edge shear testing machine. Failure modes were assessed stereoscopically. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests (α = 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>ICG-CHNPs-PDT yielded the lowest SL score (1.04 ± 0.14) and highest SBS (9.79 ± 0.62 MPa), significantly outperforming all groups (<i>p</i> < 0.05). CHX exhibited intermediate performance (SL: 2.16 ± 0.48; SBS: 7.59 ± 0.46 MPa). ICG-PDT (SL: 2.75 ± 0.29; SBS: 6.12 ± 0.43 MPa) and ICG-TiO₂NPs-PDT (SL: 2.81 ± 0.35; SBS: 5.97 ± 0.35 MPa) showed comparable, inferior results (<i>p</i> > 0.05). ICG-CHNPs-PDT demonstrated predominantly cohesive failures (60%), while ICG-PDT and ICG-TiO₂NPs-PDT showed mainly adhesive failures (50%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Near-infrared antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using chitosan-encapsulated ICG activated at 810 nm significantly enhanced both SL removal and resin-dentin bond strength compared with conventional CHX. The dual chelating and photosensitizing properties of the chitosan-ICG system offer a promising alternative for CAD surface conditioning before adhesive bonding.</p>","PeriodicalId":94169,"journal":{"name":"Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery","volume":" ","pages":"324-335"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147476775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the Use of Acai (<i>Euterpe oleracea</i> Martius) for Carious Dentin Disinfection, Combined or Not with Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy.","authors":"Maria Clara de Assis, Victor Elias Arana-Chavez, Laila Gonzales Freire Gusukuma, Sérgio Luiz Pinheiro","doi":"10.1177/25785478261415718","DOIUrl":"10.1177/25785478261415718","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate the effectiveness of the acai photosensitizer (<i>Euterpe oleracea</i> Martius), combined or not with low-intensity laser, in reducing <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> in carious dentin.</p><p><strong>Background: </strong>Due to its high penetration power and coloring ability, acai presents a promising and unexplored option for use as a photosensitizer in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We selected 60 permanent third molars and exposed their coronal dentin. After producing dentin carious lesions, we randomly divided the teeth into four groups (<i>n</i> = 15 each): C (control)-no disinfection; AC (acai)-acai photosensitizer application; AC + BL (acai + laser)-acai photosensitizer application and irradiation with low-intensity blue laser diode (Therapy); and BL (laser)-low-intensity blue laser diode (Therapy) application. All carious tissue was collected post-protocol application. Total viable bacterial count was determined after 2 days of incubation. Micro-computed tomography was used for qualitative analysis of carious lesions through observation of a carious tooth (control group). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for qualitative analysis of carious tissue disinfection using different protocols. Results were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (Student-Newman-Keuls).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The cariogenic challenge produced a carious lesion measuring 17.14875 mm³, located in deep dentin close to the pulp. The AC + BL group showed the most significant reduction in <i>S. mutans</i> count (<i>p</i> < 0.0001), followed by the AC group (<i>p</i> = 0.0055). The BL group showed no significant reduction in <i>S. mutans</i> count (<i>p</i> = 0.2122). SEM analysis showed that AC + BL promoted dentin disinfection, with exposed dentinal tubules. The percentage reduction in <i>S. mutans</i> count was: BL (35.75%), AC (63.41%), and AC + BL (92.68%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The AC + BL group showed significantly better results than the AC group alone. The acai photosensitizer, with or without antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, is indicated for carious dentin disinfection.</p>","PeriodicalId":94169,"journal":{"name":"Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery","volume":" ","pages":"293-301"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146145160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Intense Pulsed Light for Chalazion: A Single-Arm Prospective Cohort Study of 61 Patients.","authors":"Qiu Yan, Zeyi Li, Zhuoyi Hu, Chang Cai, Dan Li","doi":"10.1177/25785478261421408","DOIUrl":"10.1177/25785478261421408","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Chalazion is a common eyelid disorder with limitations in existing treatment options. While intense pulsed light (IPL) has shown potential in treating meibomian gland dysfunction, its efficacy for chalazion requires further validation. This study aimed to describe clinical outcomes after IPL for chalazion and to identify factors associated with lesion resolution.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a single-center, single-arm prospective cohort study. Sixty-one patients with chalazion were enrolled and received weekly IPL treatment. Follow-up was conducted 1 week after each session, and the primary outcome was assessed at the ≥1-week visit after the final IPL session. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and elastic net-penalized logistic regression were used to analyze treatment outcomes and associated factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall lesion resolution rate after IPL treatment was 77.0% [47/61; 95% confidence interval (CI), 65.1-85.8%]. Chi-square analyses showed that symptom duration (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and the number of IPL sessions (<i>p</i> = 0.002) were significantly associated with lesion resolution. In Elastic Net-penalized logistic regression, compared with a single IPL session, two sessions [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.685; 95% CI, 1.000-73.950] and ≥3 sessions [aOR 40.844; 95% CI, 1.897-247.637] were associated with higher odds of resolution. Compared with symptom duration >30 days, symptom duration ≤7 days [aOR 21.101; 95% CI, 3.305-706.384] and 8-30 days [aOR 3.430; 95% CI, 1.000-57.852] was associated with higher odds of treatment success. Overall model performance was acceptable (fivefold cross-validated area under the curve = 0.887). No serious adverse events occurred.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In this single-arm prospective cohort, IPL treatment was associated with a 77.0% lesion resolution rate. Because spontaneous resolution of chalazia is common and the study lacked a control group, these observational findings cannot establish causality, and controlled trials are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":94169,"journal":{"name":"Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery","volume":" ","pages":"233-241"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147286863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison between the Effect of Intense Pulsed Light and Lid Hygiene on the Tear Film and Ocular Surface: A Randomized Controlled Study.","authors":"Shekhar Jha, Qiwei Li, Yan Jin, Zheng Yang, Hui Liu, Emmanuel Eric Pazo, Shaozhen Zhao, Yue Huang","doi":"10.1177/25785478261428958","DOIUrl":"10.1177/25785478261428958","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Demodex folliculorum infestation is an important contributor to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and chronic ocular surface disease. This study evaluated and compared the therapeutic efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) and eyelid hygiene (ELH) for Demodex-associated MGD.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this prospective, randomized comparative trial, 50 patients (100 eyes) with Demodex-associated MGD were allocated to two arms. Group A (<i>n</i> = 25) received three Eyesis IPL sessions at baseline, week 2, and week 4. Group B (<i>n</i> = 25) performed daily eyelid hygiene with OCuSOFT Lid Scrub for 6 weeks. Ocular surface parameters, including ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear film lipid layer thickness (TFLL), noninvasive tear film break-up time (NITBUT), meibomian gland dropout, meibum quality and expressibility, corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), Schirmer's I, and Demodex count, were assessed from baseline to week 6. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were recorded at each visit.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both treatments significantly improved OSDI, NITBUT, TFLL, Schirmer's I, and CFS over 6 weeks (all <i>p</i> < 0.001). Compared with ELH, IPL achieved larger and earlier reductions in symptoms, greater increases in TFLL, and superior improvements in meibum quality and expressibility from week 4 onward (between-group <i>p</i> ≤ 0.021). Demodex counts decreased significantly in both groups with no between-group difference at week 6. BCVA, IOP, and adverse events remained stable, indicating a favorable short-term safety profile.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>IPL and ELH are effective for Demodex-related MGD, but IPL provides faster and more pronounced improvements in meibomian gland function, tear film stability, and patient-reported symptoms over 6 weeks.</p>","PeriodicalId":94169,"journal":{"name":"Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery","volume":" ","pages":"258-266"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147476791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Facial Rejuvenation with Fractional CO₂ Laser: Evidence in Latin Skins.","authors":"Aura Ibeth Ruiz-Rosas, Lourdes Raquel Díaz-Benites, Paola Andrea Russy-Buitrago, Karen Villa-Méndez, Denis Velásquez-Gutiérrez, Irene Fusco, Dayana Carbonell-Garcia, Paula Lozano-Bitar","doi":"10.1177/25785478251391558","DOIUrl":"10.1177/25785478251391558","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Fractional carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser is the standard treatment in facial rejuvenation for light skin phototypes; nevertheless, in Latin America, it is one of the most performed procedures on phototypes III-V.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The goal of this study is to evaluate the improvement in facial skin aging in Latin skins with fractional CO₂ laser and its side effects in a period of 3 months.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Descriptive multicenter cross-sectional study including 165 patients from 2 medical centers in Latin America who attended from 2014 to 2021. Data were collected from medical records and assessment of facial aging was performed through photographic records by two independent investigators. An arithmetic mean was obtained for each variable and for each researcher, subsequently the obtained values were averaged to find the overall average improvement according to the intervention and skin phototype. A Cohen's Kappa Concordance Test was performed to determine the agreement between observers beyond chance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant improvement in fine lines, mottled pigmentation, and overall skin appearance was observed in patients treated with fractional CO₂ laser with or without platelet-rich plasma. As for side effects, only one patient presented with herpes simplex.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>There are few studies to date that evaluate the use of fractional CO₂ laser in Latin skins, through this research, it is evident that this technology has good results for facial rejuvenation in this type of patients and few side effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":94169,"journal":{"name":"Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery","volume":" ","pages":"226-232"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145544654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transcranial Photobiomodulation in Sports Medicine: Enhancing Athletic Performance and Injury Prevention.","authors":"Milad Iravani, Maryam Moghaddam Salimi, Ali Jahan, Leyla Rastgar-Farajzadeh, Bahram Jamali, Abbas Ebrahimi-Kalan","doi":"10.1177/25785478261429308","DOIUrl":"10.1177/25785478261429308","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>In sports, achieving peak performance and overcoming injuries are critical for athletes at all levels. This narrative review, aligned with PRISMA guidelines, synthesizes evidence from 7 human and animal studies on the effects of transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) in sports medicine, focusing on athletic performance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>tPBM, which uses red and near-infrared light, offers a noninvasive approach that has shown preliminary evidence of enhancing motor function, cognitive performance (e.g., attention, decision-making), and muscle strength while reducing neuroinflammation and aiding recovery from neurological damage. However, evidence for mitigating injury, particularly for traumatic brain injuries, is limited and primarily derived from animal models or human studies with methodological limitations, such as small sample sizes or lack of sham controls. Challenges include inconsistent protocols and limited research on elite athletes. tPBM may hold potential as a complementary tool to traditional approaches, but further rigorous trials are needed to establish standardized protocols and confirm its efficacy. Future trials should prioritize larger samples, sham-controlled designs, athlete-specific cohorts, standardized protocols, and outcome measures such as reaction time, executive function, grip strength, and balance control.</p>","PeriodicalId":94169,"journal":{"name":"Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery","volume":" ","pages":"216-225"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147438603","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gingival Melanin Depigmentation Using Pulsed 450 nm Diode Laser: A Split-Mouth Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Ablative Versus Non-Ablative Techniques.","authors":"Walid Altayeb, Kenneth Luk, Arnabat-Dominguez Josep, Ahmed Abdullah, Raneem Darkazali, Omar Hamadah","doi":"10.1177/25785478261424559","DOIUrl":"10.1177/25785478261424559","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and patient comfort levels after gingival depigmentation using ablative and non-ablative 450 nm diode lasers.</p><p><strong>Background: </strong>Gingival pigmentation is a common esthetic concern that affects patients' self-confidence. Laser-assisted depigmentation has emerged as a popular treatment, with both ablative and non-ablative techniques showing promising results. However, limited comparative data exist regarding their relative efficacy and patient experience.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A split-mouth, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 20 patients with physiological gingival pigmentation scores of ≥2, based on the Dummett Oral Pigmentation Index (OPI). Each participant received ablative laser treatment on one side of the mouth and non-ablative treatment on the contralateral side. Outcome measures included changes in OPI and Melanin Pigmentation Index at baseline, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months. Patient-reported pain and discomfort were assessed using a modified McGill Pain Questionnaire.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both techniques achieved successful depigmentation. Ablative laser treatment resulted in immediate pigment removal with lower repigmentation rates but was associated with higher intraoperative discomfort. Non-ablative treatment caused less pain and faster healing but required multiple sessions to achieve comparable results. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in repigmentation rates and patient comfort levels between the two modalities.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Both ablative and non-ablative 450 nm diode lasers are effective for gingival depigmentation. The choice of technique should be tailored to patient preferences, with ablative lasers favored for immediate results and non-ablative lasers preferred for enhanced comfort and faster recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":94169,"journal":{"name":"Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery","volume":" ","pages":"242-251"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147329013","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}