Effect of low-level laser therapy on pain perception and anxiety levels in conventional local anesthesia injection.

Background: The goal of dental practice is to ensure painless treatments. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Low-level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in reducing pain perception and anxiety associated with conventional local anesthetic injections.

Methods: This was a randomized, single-blind, split-mouth study involving 36 participants divided into two groups. Group I underwent LLLT prior to local anesthesia injection, whereas Group II underwent the procedure without laser activation. Anxiety levels were measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Wong-Baker Faces Rating Scale (WBFRS).

Results: Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 22 software (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). Post-intervention analysis of the HAM-A scores showed a reduction in anxiety levels following LLLT, with mild anxiety increasing from 52.8% to 69.44%, and moderate anxiety decreasing from 47.2% to 30.56%. In terms of pain assessment, VAS scores revealed that 38.9% of patients in Group I reported no pain compared to 0% of patients in Group II. Moderate pain was reported by 50% of patients in Group I and 75% of patients in Group II, while severe pain was reported by 11.1% and 25% of patients, respectively. Pain distribution (WBFRS) showed that 63.9% of patients in Group I reported no pain versus 0% of patients in Group II. Little pain was experienced by 36.1% of Group I and 58.3% of Group II patients, whereas 41.7% of Group II patients reported slightly more pain. Statistical comparison showed that Group I had significantly lower mean VAS (1.72 ± 0.659) and WBFRS (1.36 ± 0.487) scores than Group II (VAS: 2.25 ± 0.439; WBFRS: 2.42 ± 0.500), with both results being statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: LLLT was effective in reducing pain associated with injections. It can be used successfully to manage procedures that patients commonly perceive as painful, thereby providing a natural analgesic effect. Additionally, LLLT contributes to creating positive treatment experiences, which play a key role in fostering a long-term, trusting relationship between the patient and clinician.