Using light therapy to reduce pain and improve healing after dental surgery
Official title: Effect of Photobiomodulation on Pain and Healing of the Vertical Releasing Incision After Endodontic Microsurgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT06574152 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether light therapy can help reduce pain and speed up healing for people who have just had dental surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 20, 2024 |
| Main results expected | May 4, 2028 |
| Study ends | May 4, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06574152 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include patients classified as ASA I or II who require endodontic microsurgery involving a vertical releasing incision.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with uncontrolled systemic diseases, heavy smokers, or those with certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effects of Photobiomodulation (PBM) on postoperative pain and healing in patients undergoing endodontic microsurgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Forty patients will be recruited, and they will receive either PBM treatment or a sham treatment following their surgery. PBM utilizes specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity, enhance energy production, and promote healing. The study aims to establish a protocol for PBM's use in endodontics, addressing common postoperative pain and healing issues associated with apical surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce postoperative pain and enhance healing for patients undergoing endodontic microsurgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results for PBM in enhancing healing and reducing pain in various medical fields, suggesting potential success in this novel application within endodontics.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I or II. * At least one tooth will receive EMS. * Flap design that includes at least one VRI (triangular, rectangular, papilla base or submarginal rectangular). Exclusion Criteria: * ASA III or IV. * Current heavy smokers (\>10 cigarettes/day) * Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 7%) or other uncontrolled systemic diseases that may comprise healing, such as vitamin C deficiency, neutrophil deficiencies, immunodeficiency syndromes, or leukemia. * Surgical access on the palatal surface. * Acute swelling or abscess present on the day of the surgery. * Any event or condition that would make continued participation in the study not in the best interest of the subject, as determined by the investigator. * Pregnancy. * Development of any medical condition that might affect the treatment and clinical outcomes, as determined by the investigator. * Initiation of any treatment or exposure that might affect therapy's healing, as determined by the investigator.
Where it's running
-
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Juliana Barros, DDS,MS — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
- Study coordinator: Juliana Barros, DDS,MS
- Email: Juliana.Barros@uth.tmc.edu
- Phone: (713) 486-4564
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.