What Is Laser Pain Reduction Therapy?
Laser pain reduction therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of light to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tension in the oral and facial region. The laser energy penetrates the tissue and stimulates a cellular response that decreases inflammation, promotes healing, and modulates pain signals. It is a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing discomfort from a variety of dental and orofacial conditions.
Laser Pain Reduction Therapy: Quick Facts
| Quick fact | Typical answer |
|---|---|
| Number of visits | 1 to 3 for acute pain; a series for chronic pain |
| Time needed | 5 to 15 minutes |
| Anesthesia | None |
| Recovery time | None |
| Results | Often noticeable after the first session |
These are typical ranges. Your own plan is confirmed after an examination.
Who Laser Pain Therapy Is For
Low-level laser therapy reduces inflammation and relaxes muscle. It is used for pain that comes from soft tissue, muscle or joints, alongside treatment of the cause.
- Sore jaw muscles from clenching
- Discomfort after orthodontic adjustments
- Pain after extractions or surgery
- Mouth sores
- Nerve sensitivity after dental treatment
Laser Pain Reduction Therapy at Bensonhurst Dental Care
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, laser pain reduction therapy is provided by Dr. Alex Rubinshtein for patients dealing with chronic or acute pain in the teeth, gums, jaw, and surrounding tissues. Common applications include post-operative pain management after dental procedures, relief from inflammation associated with gum disease, and reduction of muscle tension and discomfort related to TMJ disorders. For patients specifically seeking laser-based TMJ relief, TMJ pain laser therapy provides a more focused treatment protocol.
What to Expect, Step by Step
- Diagnosis. The source of pain is identified first.
- Laser application. The laser is placed over the area for several minutes; you feel gentle warmth or nothing at all.
- Reassessment. Pain is rated before and after.
- Course of treatment. Sessions are repeated as needed.
Acute and chronic pain
| Type of pain | Examples | Typical course |
|---|---|---|
| Acute | After surgery or an orthodontic adjustment; mouth sores | 1 to 3 sessions |
| Chronic | Jaw muscle pain, TMJ-related pain | A series of sessions over several weeks |
Pain relief is not the same as treatment. Laser therapy makes patients comfortable while the underlying cause is dealt with.
Recovery and Aftercare
After laser treatment
The first 24 hours
- Resume normal activity right away
- Keep track of how your pain changes
- Continue any other treatment prescribed
The following days
- Attend the full course of sessions
- Wear your nightguard if one was made
- Do the jaw exercises you were shown
When to Call Us
Call the office on (718) 234-3434 if you notice any of the following:
- Pain returns quickly or gets worse
- New symptoms appear, such as swelling or fever
- Your jaw locks or will not open fully
What Treatment Feels Like
The treatment is quick, painless, and requires no anesthesia or medication. Patients typically feel a gentle warmth during the session, and many notice a reduction in discomfort immediately afterward. Because laser pain therapy is non-invasive and drug-free, it can be used safely alongside other treatments and is suitable for patients who prefer to minimize their use of pain medications.
Cost and Insurance
Laser treatment is priced by the procedure, not by the use of the laser itself. You are told the fee before treatment.
What affects the cost
- The procedure being carried out
- The number of teeth or areas treated
- The number of sessions needed
- Whether the laser is used alone or alongside another treatment
Insurance usually covers a laser procedure in the same way as the conventional version of that procedure. Therapy sessions for pain relief may not be covered. Our team can check your benefits and explain your options before treatment begins.
