Photobiomodulation Lasers in Dentistry

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Photobiomodulation, or PBM, may sound like a trendy buzzword, but it has been around for decades. Many of us first heard it described as low-level laser therapy. The science is straightforward. Low-intensity red or near-infrared light in the 600 to 1,000 nanometer range stimulates mitochondria to produce more adenosine triphosphate, which in turn reduces inflammation, accelerates healing, and eases pain. Unlike surgical lasers, PBM does not cut or heat tissue. It simply helps tissue function and recover better.

In dentistry, PBM has carved out a quiet but growing role. It has been used to reduce mucositis pain in oncology patients, improve healing after extractions and implant placement, relieve TMD discomfort, and even assist with nerve recovery. Patients like it because it is painless and drug-free. Dentists who integrate it appreciate that it can improve outcomes without complicating their day.

What Townies are saying
On the message boards, dentists who use PBM regularly are refreshingly pragmatic. One swears by his MedX system for musculoskeletal cases, TMD, and even non-dental issues like plantar fasciitis. Another relies on Erchonia’s EVRL handheld both before and after surgery, noting the violet wavelength adds antimicrobial action to the traditional red beam. Several mentioned using PBM for themselves and family members. When your “dental toy” gets pulled out for sciatica or migraines at home, you know it has value.

Erchonia deserves attention here. They currently hold more FDA clearances for PBM than anyone else: 22 of the 25 issued. Their devices range from compact handhelds like the XLR8 for pain and the EVRL for antimicrobial plus analgesia, to larger systems like the FX 635 for low back pain or plantar fasciitis. Treatments are short, usually 10 to 30 minutes. Most providers charge $50 to $150 per session, and many report ROI not only in revenue but also in patient satisfaction, reduced post-op calls, and fewer prescriptions.

Dedicated PBM vs. off-label shortcuts
Some dentists asked whether surgical lasers like Solea or other CO2 systems can double as PBM devices. The answer is technically yes, but the literature says otherwise. There is essentially no peer-reviewed evidence supporting CO2 wavelengths for PBM. As one Townie put it, “Do you want to spend over $100,000 on a Solea to do PBM off-label with no research, or $5,000 on a dedicated PBM system backed by thousands of studies?” For most, that question answers itself.

Buyer beware
Lasers are expensive, and marketing is not always trustworthy. Biolase, once a leader, filed Chapter 11 in 2024 before being acquired by MegaGen. They still sell and service units, but it was a reminder that corporate stability matters as much as the technology itself. Disposable tips are another sticking point. Several dentists joked that manufacturers charge $10 for something that costs pennies to make, and that long-term consumable costs can outweigh the benefits of a lower entry price.

Practical advice for new users
The consensus is clear. If you are serious about PBM, buy a dedicated unit designed for it, not a surgical laser you plan to use off-label. Look for systems with strong clinical backing, FDA clearances, and solid training support. A $5,000 investment in a proven PBM device is safer than trying to stretch a $100,000 surgical unit into roles it was never meant for. And do not underestimate training. PBM is simple in theory, but optimal outcomes require understanding energy settings, exposure times, and treatment protocols. A proper course is far more valuable than a lunch-and-learn from a rep.

Where PBM fits
Think about what you want PBM to accomplish in your practice. If your goals are reducing pain, improving wound healing, and offering non-drug relief for TMD or surgical patients, then a dedicated PBM system makes perfect sense. If you are looking to expand into frenectomies, veneer removal, or hard-tissue cutting, you need an entirely different category of laser. PBM is not meant to compete with scalpels or electrosurge units. It fills its own lane, and when used for the right indications, it shines.

The quiet strength of PBM
PBM is often called the “magic laser nobody knows about.” It is quiet, unglamorous, and does not promise to replace the handpiece. But the science is strong, the investment is modest, and patients consistently report better comfort and faster recovery. In an era when patients are asking for less invasive, non-drug alternatives, being able to tell them, “We use laser therapy to speed up healing and reduce pain,” carries real weight.

The bottom line
PBM is not hype. It is a clinically supported, practical tool that can make your dentistry easier and your patients happier. The challenge is not whether PBM works. The challenge is whether you are ready to integrate it thoughtfully into your daily workflow and invest in the right equipment and training.

If you had $5,000 to invest in your practice, would you buy a dedicated PBM system, or save that money toward a more versatile surgical laser? How do you decide which new technology deserves a place in your operatory?

Join the Conversation!

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