PBM in pediatric dentistry
Dr. Martin Kaplan
PhotoBioModulation (PBM) works is many pathological conditions. In the 2014 book “Laser Phototherapy – Clinical Practice and Scientific Background” (Prima Books), more than 90 conditions are described, all found in the current literature. This can make a traditionalist rather sceptic. But the explanation is not that PBM is a specific method for particular diagnoses but working in general for inflammation, pain and wound healing. And one or several of these three are present in the mentioned 90 conditions.
In the previous edition of LaserAnnals, Dr. Martin Kaplan contributed to a fine example of what PBM can do in pediatric dentistry. Here, Dr. Kaplan is generously sharing additional cases, demonstrating that there are few limitations to the use of PBM as a sole or additional method. Laser parameters: 808 nm, continuous, 200 mW, spot size 10 mm circle.
Case 1: Ice Burn, four year old female licked an ice cube tray
Emailed picture one day post trauma, on vacation
First visit to office (2 days after ice trauma)
Pre-op , 4 J at center and 2 J at periphery
without overlap, 4 J bilateral sublingual lymph glands
(a) 3 days post (b) 6 days post
(a) 2 J tongue and 2 J bilateral sublingual glands for lymph drainage
(b) 6 days, 2 J center of healing lesion
12 days post 15 days post
12 months
Case 2: trauma from Tongue Piercing
Tongue piercing with trauma April 18; 4 J apex and gingiva
Three days post PBM
Bone structure before and after PBM
Note arrows
Case 3: Local anesthesia biting