Laser light therapy in dentistry: What is photobiomodulation and what does it treat?

Did your dental provider mention “laser light therapy,” and leave you wondering what that actually means? It uses low levels of light to influence how cells respond, and unlike a laser that cuts tissue, it works without cutting.¹ For some concerns it may ease discomfort or support healing, but it isn’t right for every situation, so the useful question is what it could do for you. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• How photobiomodulation differs from other dental laser treatments 

• Four common reasons your dental provider might discuss light therapy 

• What to expect at a visit and how sessions are planned 

• Questions to ask about benefits, alternatives and cost 

Schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider to ask whether laser light therapy fits your care plan. It is available at select locations. 

What is photobiomodulation in dentistry? 

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a treatment that uses low levels of light to influence how cells respond. You may also hear it called low-level laser therapy. Lasers are one way to deliver PBM; certain light-emitting diode (LED) devices can deliver it too.¹ 

The light interacts with processes inside cells involved in inflammation and repair. The aim is to reduce discomfort and support recovery without using heat to destroy tissue.¹ You don't need to remember the long name. The useful question is what it could help with in your situation. 

What can dental laser light therapy help treat? 

Your provider may discuss PBM for several reasons. The goal and expected benefit will differ for each one. 

Discomfort after gum treatment or dental surgery 

If your gums feel tender after periodontal treatment, your provider may discuss light therapy as an addition to your comfort plan. Different laser treatments have different purposes, so research on lasers used to treat gum disease doesn't automatically establish a benefit from PBM for soreness after a deep cleaning.¹ Ask what benefit your provider expects for your treatment. 

PBM has also been studied for pain, swelling and recovery after oral surgery, including wisdom tooth removal. Results depend on the procedure and treatment settings.¹ Keep following your provider's aftercare instructions, even if you feel more comfortable. 

Muscle-related jaw pain 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists laser devices among the options used to relieve muscle-related jaw pain.² PBM has also been reported to provide symptom relief for jaw joint disorders, as a helpful add-on to other care.¹ That does not mean every sore or clicking jaw needs light therapy. Your provider first needs to understand what’s causing your symptoms. 

Other temporomandibular joint treatment options may also be part of the discussion. Ask where PBM would fit and how your provider would check whether it’s helping. 

Canker sore discomfort 

Low-level laser therapy is one option providers may consider for more painful or more severe canker sores, mainly to lessen pain. Many minor canker sores heal without treatment in one to two weeks, while large, persistent or unusually painful sores may need additional care.³ 

There are several ways to manage canker sores. Tell your provider if sores keep coming back so the conversation covers more than temporary relief. 

Tooth sensitivity 

Light-based treatments have been studied for sensitive teeth, but some use doses or additional products that fall outside PBM. Those results cannot all be treated as evidence for PBM itself.¹ Your provider should assess what's causing the sensitivity and explain the evidence for the specific treatment they recommend. 

How well does photobiomodulation work? 

There isn't one result you can expect across every use. PBM research covers different conditions, devices and treatment settings. The amount of light delivered and the tissue being treated matter. A benefit found for one condition does not establish the same benefit for another.¹

Evidence is more established for oral mucositis, the inflammation and sores caused by certain cancer treatments. That is a separate condition from everyday canker sores.¹ 

Ask your provider what improvement is realistic for your specific concern. Is the goal less soreness, easier chewing or support during recovery? Agreeing on that goal makes it easier to decide whether further sessions are worthwhile. 

What happens during a laser light therapy appointment? 

Your dental team will review your concern and explain the area they plan to treat. A probe or device delivers light to that area, and your team will explain what to expect and provide protective eyewear matched to the device.¹ 

Depending on your care plan, treatment may be added to a dental visit. Your provider may recommend a short series of sessions, then decide whether more would help based on your condition and response.¹ 

Share your medical history and medication list, and ask questions before treatment begins. You should understand the proposed benefit and the other options available to you. 

Want help deciding what fits your needs? Schedule an examination with your local dental provider. 

What is laser light therapy in dentistry, and what does it treat? FAQs 

Can I use a home red-light device instead? 

Not necessarily. LED devices have become popular for home use, but PBM results depend on the device, settings and area being treated, and a home device may not deliver the same treatment as one used in a dental office.¹ Before using a light device inside your mouth, ask your dental provider whether it is intended for that use and appropriate for your concern. 

Is laser light therapy covered by dental insurance? 

Ask your dental office to check your specific plan before you begin. Request an estimate that shows the cost per session and the proposed number of sessions. If coverage is uncertain, ask what you would owe out of pocket before agreeing to treatment. 

What if I don't notice an improvement? 

Tell your provider what has changed and what hasn't. Ask when they would reassess your symptoms and whether another approach makes more sense. You don't need to commit to an open-ended series of visits without understanding the goal and how progress will be reviewed. 

Sources 

¹ American Dental Association, JADA Foundational Science: “Photobiomodulation therapy.” https://jadafs.ada.org/article/S2772-414X(25)00002-7/fulltext 

² U.S. Food and Drug Administration: “Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) Devices.” https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/temporomandibular-disorders-tmd-devices 

³ Mayo Clinic: “Canker sore - Diagnosis and treatment.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370620