Case series of low-level laser therapy for minor ulceration: Diverse outcomes related to predisposing factors

Abstract

Background: There are many strategies to alleviate the pain and suffering associated with oral mucosal ulcers. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has recently been widely used as a treatment for oral lesions because of its modalities in promoting ulcer healing and reducing pain and discomfort. Case Report: Three patients aged 22–24 years old came to the Universitas Indonesia Dental Hospital with the chief complaint of ulcers in the mouth. Two patients were diagnosed with minor recurrent aphthous ulceration and the third patient with aphthous ulceration. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the patients’ pain. The VAS scores of each patient were recorded before, immediately after, and 30 min after the application of LLLT. The patients were followed up on the second and third days after treatment. All patients reported a significant reduction of VAS, but there were dissimilar results in the ulcer healing process. Conclusion: Several factors (e.g., local and systemic conditions that may affect wound healing and the location of the lesions) must be considered in determining the success of LLLT.

Keywords

• alternative therapy
• low-level laser therapy
• oral ulceration