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Review
. 2023 Feb 16;24(4):3985.
doi: 10.3390/ijms24043985.

The Involvement of Photobiology in Contemporary Dentistry-A Narrative Review

Ionut Luchian  1 , Dana Gabriela Budală  2 , Elena-Raluca Baciu  3 , Ramona Gabriela Ursu  4 , Diana Diaconu-Popa  5 , Oana Butnaru  6 , Monica Tatarciuc  5
Affiliations
Review

The Involvement of Photobiology in Contemporary Dentistry-A Narrative Review

Ionut Luchian et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Light is an emerging treatment approach that is being used to treat many diseases and conditions such as pain, inflammation, and wound healing. The light used in dental therapy generally lies in visible and invisible spectral regions. Despite many positive results in the treatment of different conditions, this therapy still faces some skepticism, which has prevented its widespread adoption in clinics. The main reason for this skepticism is the lack of comprehensive information about the molecular, cellular, and tissular mechanisms of action, which underpin the positive effects of phototherapy. However, there is currently promising evidence in support of the use of light therapy across a spectrum of oral hard and soft tissues, as well as in a variety of important dental subspecialties, such as endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, and maxillofacial surgery. The merging of diagnostic and therapeutic light procedures is also seen as a promising area for future expansion. In the next decade, several light technologies are foreseen as becoming integral parts of modern dentistry practice.

Keywords: PDT; UV-A; UV-B; dentistry; laser; photostimulation; phototherapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Light spectrum.
Figure 2
Figure 2
PDT mechanism.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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