Translational Applications of Extracorporeal Shock Waves in Dental Medicine: A Literature Review

Abstract

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been studied and applied extensively in medical practice for various applications including musculoskeletal, dermal, vascular, and cardiac indications. These indications have emerged from primary ESWT use in treating urolithiasis and cholelithiasis. Likewise, dental medicine has had its share of utilizing ESWT in various investigations. This review aimed to provide an up-to-date summary of ESWT use in preclinical and clinical dental medicine. There is growing interest in ESWT use stemming from its non-invasiveness, low cost, and safe qualities in addition to its proven regenerative biostimulating aspects. Targeted tissue and parameters of ESWT delivery continue to be an integral part of successful ESWT treatment to attain the clinical value of the anticipated dose’s effect.