title: The effect of low level laser therapy on pain reduction after third molar surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low level laser on the postoperative pain of patients who had to undergo third molar surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a randomized clinical setting, 100 patients were assigned to two groups of 50 in each. Every patient underwent surgical removal of one mandibular third molar (with osteotomy). After suturing the flap, the soft laser was applied to every patient. In group I laser radiation was applied by the dental assistant with output power of 100 mW, in continuous mode with sweeping motion, in group II, the laser hand piece was only brought into position without releasing energy, so that no patient knew which group he belonged to. The patient was given a pain evaluation form where they could determine their individual pain level and duration.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The statistical tests showed significant difference in pain level between laser and control group (P<0.001) but no significant difference found in pain duration in two groups (P=0.019).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The result of this study verifies the positive effect of the soft-laser therapy in the postoperative complication after third molar extraction.
authors.affiliation: Laser Research Center of Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Saber
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Chiniforush
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shahabi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult