Photobiomodulation Therapy for Oral and Craniofacial Tissue Healing and Regeneration in Clinical Dentistry

Tremendous advances in biophotonics technologies and a better fundamental understanding of light-biological tissue interactions have enabled optical imaging, optogenetics, phototherapy, and photodynamic therapy. Among these popular biophotonics applications in biology and medicine, the therapeutic use of low-dose light treatments can alleviate pain or inflammation, modulate the immune responses, and promote wound healing and tissue regeneration termed Photobiomodulation (PBM) Therapy. This treatment utilizes various light sources such as lasers, L.E.D.s, and broadband light at discrete wavelengths ranging from visible to near-infrared in a non-thermal manner. Investigations into the molecular mechanisms of PBM have outlined several photochemical and photobiological interactions. These mechanistic insights have enabled the development of more rigorous clinical protocols that will result in consistent and reproducible therapeutic outcomes. This chapter will go over various applications of PBM treatments for tissue healing and regeneration in craniofacial dental and oral tissues.