EFFICACY OF LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY USING DIODE LASER IN THE TREATMENT OF RECURRENT APHTHOUS STOMATITIS

Jatin Gupta and Kanupriya Gupta*

ABSTRACT

Objective- To evaluate reduction in pain intensity and duration of pain relief,reduction in size of ulcer,duration for healing of ulcer (healing time) in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis(RAS) after application of Low Level Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation therapy (LLLT) comparing with topical anaesthetic agent and placebo group. Materials & Methods- A total number of 150 individuals diagnosed as RAS were divided into three equal groups as follows: Group 1: Minor aphthous ulcer was treated by giving LLLT using Diode LASER; Group 2: Minor aphthous ulcer was treated by placebo/sham non activated LASER application.; Group 3: Minor aphthous ulcer was treated by local application of anaesthetic Benzocaine gel 20%. Results- In this randomized controlled experimental study LLLT using Diode LASER causes significant reduction in pain intensity caused by RAS hence reducing the morbidity, there is also significant improvement in reduction in the size and healing time of the ulcer as compared to Benzocaine gel 20% and placebo group. Conclusion- Although various treatment modalities have been used and LLLT is not commonly used to treat aphthous ulcers but this study is suggestive that using LLLT would be a safe and effective treatment modality for RAS patients.

Keywords: Recurrent apthous stomatitis; LLLT; healing time.