Evaluating the effectiveness of photo biomodulation therapy (PBMT) on post-operative sequelae of mandibular third molar extraction: A Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Aim: effectiveness of photo-biomodulation therapy (PBMT) on post-operative sequalae of mandibular third molar extraction Methods: Review was adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines 2020 and registered in PROSPERO – CRDXXXXXXX. Screening and data extraction was done by two independent reviewers. Quality assessment of studies was evaluated through Cochrane risk of bias (ROB)-2 tool. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used as summary statistic measure with random effect model and p value <0.05 as statistically significant through Review manager (RevMan) version 5.3. Results: Eight studies were included in qualitative synthesis and seven studies for meta -analysis. Included studies showed moderate to low ROB. Effectiveness of PBMT was evaluated for pain (Day 2, Day 7), mouth opening improvement (Day 2, Day 7), decrease in facial swelling (Day 2, Day 7). Meta-analysis revealed that PBMT had shown reduced pain at day 2 (SMD = -0.94 (-1.20 – 0.67, p<0.05) and at day 7 (SMD = -0.80 (-1.20 – 0.41, p<0.05), improved mouth opening at day 2 (SMD = 0.17 (-0.19 – 0.53, p>0.05) and day 7 (SMD = 1.75 (0.05 – 3.45, p<0.05), decreased facial swelling on day 2 (SMD = -0.15 (-0.62 – 0.32,p>0.05) and day 7 (SMD = 0.08 (- 0.49 – 0.32, p>0.05). Funnel plot did not show presence of publication bias in meta-analysis. Conclusion: better effectiveness, good clinical and satisfactory results were seen with PBMT. It was concluded that PBM is an essential tool for managing pain and healing improvement. However, furthermore clinical trials with larger sample size and follow up duration should be carried out to validate the findings of the study.