The effects of the helium-neon laser on postsurgical discomfort: a pilot study.

It has been postulated that low-energy lasers (soft lasers) have analgesic capabilities. European investigators who have worked with these lasers have tried to explain this phenomenon as an interference with the mediation of the pain message and/or the stimulation of endorphin production. There does not appear, however, to be much well-controlled research to support these claims. This study has examined the effect of the helium-neon laser on post-surgical discomfort. Fifteen patients who had surgical removal of bilaterally symmetrical mandibular third molars were evaluated. Laser therapy was applied to one side of each patient's mouth with the other side serving as the control. A similar technique of application, without activation of the laser beam, was utilized on the control side. This study has demonstrated that the helium-neon laser (632.8 nanometre (nm) at 10 milliwatt (mW), when applied to the surgical site for three minutes immediately following third molar surgery, reduced postoperative pain on the day of surgery and on the first postoperative day. This finding was statistically significant.