title: The current status of low level laser therapy in dentistry. Part 1. Soft tissue applications.
abstract: Despite more than 30 years of experience with low level laser therapy (LLLT) or 'biostimulation' in dentistry, concerns remain as to its effectiveness as a treatment modality. Controlled clinical studies have demonstrated that while LLLT is effective for some specific applications, it is not a panacea. This paper provides an outline of the biological basis of LLLT and summarizes the findings of controlled clinical studies of the use of LLLT for specific soft tissue applications in dentistry. Areas of controversy where there is a pressing need for further research are identified.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dentistry, University of Queensland.
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Walsh
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D000698:Analgesia; D000818:Animals; D001695:Biology; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000528:radiation effects; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D018865:Dental Research; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000528:radiation effects; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000528:radiation effects; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D014070:Tooth / Q000528:radiation effects; D014076:Tooth Diseases / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D014945:Wound Healing