Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Managing Postoperative Pain and Trismus After Third Molar Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Port Harcourt

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been investigated as an adjunct to standard pharmacological management of postoperative pain, swelling, and trismus following third molar surgery, with promising results in several clinical trials. However, evidence from Sub-Saharan African populations is limited. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluates the efficacy of LLLT in reducing pain, trismus, and facial swelling in the 72-hour postoperative period following impacted mandibular third molar extraction at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, South South Nigeria. Seventy-two patients with bilateral symmetrical impacted third molars were randomized in a split-mouth design into active LLLT and sham laser groups. LLLT was administered at 810nm wavelength using a diode laser device at defined anatomical points for three sessions over 72 hours. Outcome measures include a 100mm visual analogue pain scale, maximum mouth opening, and standardized facial measurement for swelling at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Analgesic consumption was recorded as a secondary outcome. Results indicate statistically significant reductions in pain scores and trismus in the LLLT group at 48 and 72 hours compared to sham, with no significant difference in swelling reduction. Analgesic consumption was reduced in the LLLT group. The study provides randomized evidence for LLLT as a clinically relevant adjunct to multimodal postoperative management in third molar surgery in the South South zone. Keywords: low-level laser therapy, third molar surgery, pain, trismus, randomized controlled trial.