What is photobiomodulation therapy?

Have you heard of photobiomodulation therapy? This innovative treatment might sound like a mouthful, but it’s actually very straightforward. This form of low-level light therapy is skyrocketing in popularity thanks to its many cosmetic and dental applications. However, many patients are unclear on exactly what photobiomodulation therapy is.

Essentially, photobiomodulation is a type of light therapy that makes use of low-level laser energy. This approach is different from other laser applications because it doesn’t involve the direct removal of tissue. Instead, the gentler light applies energy to cells to stimulate them.

Stimulated cells then undergo several natural processes to help improve your health. The natural healing mechanisms triggered by photobiomodulation provide a wide range of benefits for both your facial appearance and the health of your smile. 

5 Promising Uses of Photobiomodulation 

Photobiomodulation therapy is well known for its aesthetic benefits, but it isn’t just about cosmetic enhancement; it’s about facilitating your body’s ability to heal and thrive, which is what makes it such a versatile treatment. Here are 5 exciting uses of photobiomodulation and what they can mean for your smile.

1. Bye-Bye Sensitivity

One exciting emerging dental application for photobiomodulation is lessening the sensitivity associated with teeth-whitening treatments. Many in-office systems use UV light to activate the whitening agent and help you achieve a brighter smile. While these treatments produce fantastic results, temporary tooth sensitivity is always a possible side effect. 

This is where low-level laser therapy comes in. Interestingly, research suggests that use of photobiomodulation prior to in-office whitening can actually help prevent the effects of bleaching-induced sensitivity.

2. Wrinkle Rewind

Photobiomodulation isn’t just used in dentistry. In fact, its applications extend into many types of cosmetic treatments. One of its most notable uses involves targeting wrinkles by stimulating cells to heal and rejuvenate. 

It’s said that your smile is the first thing someone notices about you, so you want to be ready to share it with the world at any important function.The fine lines around the mouth are some of the first noticeable signs of aging. You can improve the look of your smile overall by addressing these lines, providing a more youthful appearance.

3. Kiss Cold Sores Goodbye

Are cold sores a consistent issue in your life? You’ve likely tried many supposed remedies, but photobiomodulation could finally be what you need. The low-level laser therapy stimulates your cells’ natural healing response, moving through the cold sore cycle more quickly.

As a result, you can get rid of cold sores much sooner, and it may even help reduce the frequency of future outbreaks. The treatment also helps ease discomfort to provide a smoother recovery period.

4. No More Gummy Smiles

Have you noticed that your gumline doesn’t seem quite right? Uneven or excessive gums can really have an impact on your smile. However, many patients are hesitant about gum contouring because of the possible discomfort during the healing period. Luckily, modern dentistry provides improved treatment options to assuage those fears.

By combining the latest laser dentistry with low-level laser therapy, you can obtain an improved smile quickly and comfortably. On its own, laser dentistry allows for more accurate results and less postoperative discomfort than traditional scalpel techniques. Combining laser gum contouring with photobiomodulation afterward helps further reduce acute inflammation and speeds up tissue repair for a quick and painless recovery.

5. Speedy Recovery

After undergoing certain dental treatments, such as periodontal surgery, you can expect a recovery period. During that time, you may experience some soreness and discomfort as the tissue heals. However, you can now take advantage of photobiomodulation to reduce the length of your next recovery period and enjoy greater comfort.

This therapy stimulates cells to accelerate their natural healing cycle so you can recover faster and get back to your everyday life. Not only does it provide quicker recovery, but it also delivers pain relief. The low-level laser energy further reduces inflammation, which is the primary cause of discomfort when recovering from treatment.

Take advantage of the latest innovations in cosmetic dentistry.

At Orchard Dental Associates, we’re committed to providing the best for our patients. This means keeping up with the latest dental technology and treatment techniques to provide you with the best possible patient experience. We use photobiomodulation regularly in conjunction with many of our cosmetic and restorative treatments to reduce the need for anesthesia, minimize inflammation, and speed up healing time. For more information, request an evaluation today.