LASER THERAPY IN HOSPITAL DENTISTRY: APPLICATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO PATIENT CARE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63330/aurumpub.068-039Keywords:
Hospital Dentistry, Laser Therapy, Multidisciplinary Care, Oral Mucositis, PhotobiomodulationAbstract
Laser therapy, particularly through photobiomodulation, has been investigated as a complementary resource in hospital dental care, especially for the management of oral alterations associated with antineoplastic treatments and different clinical conditions. This study aimed to analyze the applications and contributions of laser therapy to the dental care of hospitalized patients, with emphasis on the prevention and management of oral mucositis, pain control, and tissue repair. This is a narrative literature review based on searches of national and international databases using descriptors related to Hospital Dentistry, laser therapy, photobiomodulation, oral mucositis, and hospitalized patients. The literature analyzed demonstrates favorable results for photobiomodulation, particularly in the prevention and management of oral mucositis associated with certain cancer treatments, as well as potential benefits for pain, inflammation, and tissue repair. However, relevant differences were identified among the protocols used, including application parameters, characteristics of the study populations, and evaluated outcomes, which limits direct comparison between studies. It is concluded that photobiomodulation represents a complementary therapeutic tool with the potential to contribute to hospital dental care, provided that its use is evidence-based, individualized, and integrated with other care strategies. The role of the dental surgeon and multidisciplinary integration are essential for appropriate indication, clinical monitoring, and safe use of this resource.
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