Suppressing Gag Reflex with Low-Level Laser Therapy on Acupoint PC6: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Gag reflex is a common problem in dental procedures such as pediatric patients, third molar extraction, periodontal surgery, taking radiography, oral examination, and alginate impression. Among different anti-gagging methods, laser acupuncture that use low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation seems to be the newest and most practical method. Case report: Here, we report pericard 6 (PC6) point laser acupuncture as a practical chairside method to suppress gagging in our patient just before scaling and root planning (SRP). Results: Our case was a 33-year-old man who had sever gag reflex, and therefore, could not receive dental care in his whole life. His dentist scheduled to do scaling and surgically extract his third molar. We controlled the gag reflex successfully by stimulating PC6 point on his wrist with Diode LASER. SRP and extraction of third molar were done at the same session. Conclusion: LLLT acupuncture is a preferred method due to less chair time, low invasiveness, and high safety compared to other methods. The acupoint P6 seems to be more practical than other anti-gaging points in dentistry as it is accessible when patient is on dental unit.

Keywords

• low-level laser therapy
• gagging
• acupuncture
• dentistry