(PR101) Effect of Photobiomodulation on Pain and Healing of the Vertical Releasing Incision After Endodontic Microsurgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives: Soft tissue healing in endodontic microsurgery (EMS) remains overlooked despite its importance for the long-term prognosis of apicectomized teeth. Limited research exists on the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on soft tissue healing post-EMS, and none have evaluated its impact on postoperative pain and healing of vertical releasing incisions (VRI). We hypothesized that PBM might reduce postoperative pain and enhance soft tissue healing compared to a sham treatment.

Methods: This single-center, randomized clinical trial aimed to allocate adult patients into two groups: an experimental group receiving EMS with PBM, and a control group receiving EMS with a sham treatment. The primary outcome was postoperative pain at 5–7 days, assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Additionally, two independent, blinded observers evaluated soft tissue healing using the Early Wound Healing Score (EHS) from digital photographs. Statistical analysis employed a t-test (p < 0.05).

Results: Preliminary findings revealed no significant differences in mean VAS pain scores between groups, with scores of 0.8 (SD 1.1) in the PBM group vs. 0.7 (SD 0.8) in the sham group at 5–7 days (p=0.748). Patients in the sham group demonstrated mean EHS scores of 7.6 (SD 2.9) vs. 5.6 (SD 3.9) in the PBM group (p=0.218).

Conclusion: No significant differences in pain reduction or soft tissue healing when using PBM in EMS. Future studies with larger sample sizes should assess the long-term effects of PBM on healing and explore its applicability in endodontics.