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NCT Number: NCT07095556

Impact of Nd:YAG Laser Photobiostimulation on Healing of Gingiva

The intervention in this study is to determine whether multiple applications of photobiostimulation with Nd-YAG laser improve wound healing following tooth extraction and alveolar ridge preservation. Investigators plan to assess the impact of laser treatment on wound healing by measuring salivary biomarkers, gingival wound size and surveying for the use of pain reduction and patient satisfaction. The intervention group will receive extraction and alveolar ridge preservation with Nd-YAG laser photobiostimulation on days 1, 3, and 7 following extraction and socket preservation, while the control group will receive the standard of care extraction and alveolar ridge preservation without the laser

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Key information

Conditions

Wound Healing and Prevention Inflammation Mouth Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Oral Inflammation Pain Pain, Postoperative Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Periodontal Diseases Photobiomodulation Post-operative Pain Management Postoperative Complications Signs and Symptoms Stomatognathic Diseases Tooth Extraction Site Healing

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

MUSC College of Dental Medicine, Graduate Periodontics Clinic

Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Ben (Hua-Hong) Chien, DDS

CONTACT

[email protected]

Joe Gambacorta, DDS

CONTACT

[email protected]

843-876-7645

About this study

Photobiostimulation, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or phototherapy, utilizes a low-level laser to increase cell proliferation, enhance cell stimulation, and reduce gingival inflammation. It has been reported that photobiostimulation enhances chemical and metabolic changes and alters cellular behavior in the tissue by light absorption. Photobiostimulation as an adjunct treatment modality can accelerate the healing process, improve patient comfort and satisfaction following dental surgical procedures, and benefit patients with compromised healing capacity.

Alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) is a standard procedure to minimize alveolar bone and gingival soft tissue atrophy following tooth extraction and before dental implant placement. The healing of ARP is critical for the success of implant placement timely treatment. The ARP procedure is currently the standard practice for patients interested in dental implant treatment and involves bone grafting of the extracted socket. ARP techniques have been used for over 20 years to maintain a favorable soft and hard tissue morphology for dental implant-related restorations.

The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of Nd-YAG laser photobiostimulation on wound healing when combined with tooth extraction and alveolar ridge preservation procedures.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Participants who are ≥ 18 years old,
  • Patients who are scheduled for the treatment of tooth extraction and alveolar ridge preservation (ARP)
  • No contraindications for tooth extraction and alveolar ridge preservation based on electronic health records.
  • Participants who can express the level of pain
  • Participants who self-report "not pregnant"

Exclusion criteria

  • Untreated periodontal disease
  • Acute infection of the teeth
  • Use of antibiotics within the last three months.
  • Pregnant or lactating women
  • Use of bisphosphonates based on EHR
  • Alveolar bone defects occurred or were detected during tooth extraction

Treatment and study plan

Low-level laser therapy

Other

The low-level laser applications will be made on the same day as the standard of care treatment (day 1), and then day 3, and day 7 by a study team member who is trained in the use of the laser device.

The laser photobiostimulation will be applied using LightWalker® laser (FOTONA), with following settings, Nd:YAG laser 1064 nm, MSP modality (pulse duration), 0.5 W (power), 10 Hz (frequency), 1 min/ 1 cm2 spot using Genova handpiece from buccal, lingual, and occlusal aspects. The Genova handpiece will be placed 1 cm away from gingival tissue.

Participants and operators will wear glasses to protect their eyes from laser beam in all sessions.

Primary outcomes

  1. Inflammatory markers in saliva

    Time frame: From day of tooth extraction through day 7

    The measurement of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers in saliva, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 and TNF secreted during the early stages of wound healing at day 3 and day 7.

  2. Wound size dimensional changes

    Time frame: From the day of tooth extraction to day 42

    The comparison of dimensional changes in wound size between test and intervention groups. Digital gingival scans of the wound will be taken immediately after surgery and at days 3, 7, 14, and 42 for Aim 2.

  3. Post-operative pain

    Time frame: From post-operative day 3 to day 14

    Recording of pain perception using a Visual Analog Scale at visits 3, 7, and 14 (maximum pain being 10 vs. no pain being 0), 2)

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Pinar Emecen-Huja

CONTACT

[email protected]

(843) 792-5688

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Medical University of South Carolina

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Impact of Nd: YAG Laser Photobiostimulation on Healing of Gingiva Following Tooth Extraction and Alveolar Ridge Preservation

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
Jul 31, 2025
Registry last updated
Nov 12, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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