The Effect of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Inflammation Following Dental Prophylaxis

Abstract

To evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in reducing gingivitis following professional dental prophylaxis in dogs in a prospective, randomly controlled, double-blind study. The study included 47 dogs (male n = 23, female n = 24), with a mean age of 6.5 ± 2.6 years and a bodyweight of 28.9 ± 5.3 kg. Breeds included: Belgian Malinois Shepherd Dogs (n = 23), German Shepherd Dogs (n = 14), Labrador Retriever (n = 4), and Dutch Shepherd Dogs (n = 3). The left side of the mouth was treated by performing dental prophylaxis (control group). The right side received dental prophylaxis and a single session of PBMT using a Class IV therapeutic laser (treatment group). Each side was graded individually for periodontal disease (PD), gingivitis, and calculus. Follow-up observations were conducted on days 1, 3, 8, and 15 post-treatment. Results were compared using a Mann-Whitney Test. Multiple regression was run to predict PD, gingivitis, and calculus scores using age, sex, and breed. A p < .05 was considered significant. The PBMT group (PG) showed significantly lower gingivitis scores from day 1 to 15 post-treatment. PD had an increasing prevalence with age. Age and breed contributed to the prediction of PD, gingivitis, and calculus grading. This study showed that PBMT significantly reduced the grade of gingivitis following dental prophylaxis, and may be a useful adjuvant procedure following dental prophylaxis.