Using light therapy to reduce pain after dental surgery

Effect of Photobiomodulation to Reduce Post-operative Pain After Endodontic Surgery: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Nove de Julho · NCT05935306

This study is testing if light therapy can help reduce pain for people recovering from dental surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment34 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Nove de Julho Academic / other
Locations1 site (Montevideo)
Trial IDNCT05935306 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (FBM) in reducing postoperative pain for patients undergoing endodontic surgery. A total of 34 participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving FBM or a control group receiving a simulation of the treatment. Both groups will also receive standard analgesia with ibuprofen as needed. The study will be double-blinded, ensuring that neither the patients nor the evaluators know which treatment is being administered, to maintain objectivity in assessing pain outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 70 with periapical lesions smaller than 10mm who have previously undergone endodontic treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with comorbidities, smokers, pregnant or lactating women, or those on certain medications affecting inflammation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce postoperative pain for patients undergoing endodontic procedures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for photobiomodulation in postoperative pain management, but this specific application in endodontic surgery is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

:• Patients with periapical lesions who have already undergone endodontic treatment (lesions smaller than 10mm in their greatest diameter - Metin et al., 2018, single and chronic lesions)

* Patients with not comorbidities,
* Age from 18 to 70 years,
* Both genders,
* Healthy permanent teeth with good hygiene.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Who are taking drugs that affect bone metabolism and the inflammatory process (for example: corticosteroids, bisphosphonates),
* Smokers, pregnant or lactating women,
* Who used anti-inflammatory drugs in the last 3 months before surgery.
* Who for any reason interrupted the evolution of the treatment for not attending joint appointments.
* Patients who do not follow the guidelines or have an injury in the acute phase (pain, edema, exudate)

Where this trial is running

Montevideo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions PhotobiomodulationEndodontic DiseasePainInflammationSurgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.