An update on the effect of low-level laser therapy on growth factors involved in oral healing

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) refers to irradiation with red-beam or near-infrared lasers that are typically of narrow spectral width to pathology to reduce inflammation, pain, and promote tissue regeneration. Lasers have varied and growing applications in the field of medicine. This technology has attracted major interest in the field of tissue engineering and healing. The goal of this review is to present the biological action of LLLT on various growth factors involved in oral healing. This article highlights the series of photochemical reactions, mechanism of action, and synthesis of several cytokines. Furthermore, it elucidates the cellular responses to LLLT providing insight into the current strategies that promote healing. This review was based on electronic search of scientific papers from 2000 to 2017 which was accomplished using PubMed and MEDLINE search engines to include relevant scientific citations from the peer-reviewed journals published in English. A total of 68 articles were included, of which 23 were excluded based on the exclusion criteria. The remaining 45 articles were evaluated, and specific information was retrieved from relevant 22 articles. The 22 articles included review articles and in vivo and in vitro studies that discussed in detail the effect of lasers on various growth factors. LLLT has a biomodulating effect on oral healing. LLLT influences the release of chemical mediators, reduces the duration of inflammation, and consequently promotes tissue repair. LLLT has therapeutic actions on the growth factors involved in oral healing and hence accelerates healing.