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
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
Low-level laser therapy is usually charged per session, so the total depends on the area treated and on how many sessions it takes to ease the pain; chronic jaw muscle pain can call for a series over several weeks. Dental plans often do not pay for sessions given for pain relief alone, so it helps to know what your plan allows before a long course.
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.
