A new analysis of existing research suggests that low-level laser therapy, also called photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), may help reduce pain for children receiving local anesthetic injections at the dentist. The review combined results from 8 studies, with 6 included in the main analysis. All studies involved children undergoing dental procedures that required a numbing shot.
The findings showed that children who received PBMT before or during the injection reported lower pain scores on the Wong-Baker FACES scale compared to those who received a placebo or standard care. The effect was consistent when the analysis focused on studies using a 960 nm laser and a gel-inactive laser control. Pain measured by the FLACC scale also showed a significant reduction.
The review did not report any safety concerns, but it also did not provide details on side effects or how well the treatment was tolerated. Because the analysis combined small studies, the results should be interpreted with caution. The authors note that PBMT appears to be an effective option for reducing injection pain in children, but more research is needed to confirm the best approach and ensure safety.