Effect of low-level laser therapy on pain perception and anxiety levels in conventional local anesthesia injection.

BACKGROUND

The goal of dental practice is to ensure painless treatments. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Low-level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in reducing pain perception and anxiety associated with conventional local anesthetic injections.

METHODS

This was a randomized, single-blind, split-mouth study involving 36 participants divided into two groups. Group I underwent LLLT prior to local anesthesia injection, whereas Group II underwent the procedure without laser activation. Anxiety levels were measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Wong-Baker Faces Rating Scale (WBFRS).

RESULTS

Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 22 software (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). Post-intervention analysis of the HAM-A scores showed a reduction in anxiety levels following LLLT, with mild anxiety increasing from 52.8% to 69.44%, and moderate anxiety decreasing from 47.2% to 30.56%. In terms of pain assessment, VAS scores revealed that 38.9% of patients in Group I reported no pain compared to 0% of patients in Group II. Moderate pain was reported by 50% of patients in Group I and 75% of patients in Group II, while severe pain was reported by 11.1% and 25% of patients, respectively. Pain distribution (WBFRS) showed that 63.9% of patients in Group I reported no pain versus 0% of patients in Group II. Little pain was experienced by 36.1% of Group I and 58.3% of Group II patients, whereas 41.7% of Group II patients reported slightly more pain. Statistical comparison showed that Group I had significantly lower mean VAS (1.72 ± 0.659) and WBFRS (1.36 ± 0.487) scores than Group II (VAS: 2.25 ± 0.439; WBFRS: 2.42 ± 0.500), with both results being statistically significant (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

LLLT was effective in reducing pain associated with injections. It can be used successfully to manage procedures that patients commonly perceive as painful, thereby providing a natural analgesic effect. Additionally, LLLT contributes to creating positive treatment experiences, which play a key role in fostering a long-term, trusting relationship between the patient and clinician.