What is PBMT and what are the benefits to my patients?

Photobiomodulation (PBM Therapy) previously known as Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is the application of red and near infra-red light over injuries or lesions to improve wound and soft tissue healing, reduce inflammation and give relief for both acute and chronic pain. First developed in 1967, it is now commonly referred to as PBM or PBMT. The many benefits of PBMT to your patients will help to improve patient satisfaction, practice efficiency (less post-op appointments), and improve your practice ROI. PBMT is a practice builder in the practice, it will increase new patient referrals. PBMT is used by dentists worldwide for:

• Treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis, traumatic ulcers
• Reduce occurence or prevent oral mucositis in cancer patients
• Reduce oral edema.
• Post-operative analgesia following periodontic, oral surgery, and endodontic procedures.
• Treatment of recurrent intraoral and labial herpes.
• Management of inflammatory conditions such as erosive lichen planus.
• Reduce pain of orthodontics and hasten tooth movement
• Management of TMJ/TMD

Is PBMT painful for my patients?

No. There is no pain associated with PBMT and in fact PBMT delivers analgesia.

Are there any contraindications for PBM?

There are no real contraindications, but caution should be used near a pre-cancerous or cancerous lesion. It should be aimed away from the thyroid gland. It is safe to use in the oral cavity with pregnant woman.

Can PBMT be used on pregnant women?

Yes. It is safe to use in the oral cavity for your pregnant patients.

How do you use PBMT to treat ……?

There are so many benefits of PBMT that allow you to use it for a multitude of procedures. With any laser/LED you must become proficient in the appropriate technique.

Can my existing surgical laser be used for PBMT ?

Many surgical lasers can be adapted to perform PBMT. It is important to know the mathematical equations for the proper power conversion to make sure the patient is getting the appropriate doses. The vast majority of lasers can be set to deliver PBMT. This is something you will be taught during our upcoming PBM trainings.

What is the difference between a laser giving PBMT and my surgical laser?

A soft tissue laser cuts by heating the tissues and the laser PBMT is a biological process raising tissue temperature <1 degree.

Can PBMT only be done with a laser?

No many PBMT procedures are completed with LED units. Once the light hits the cell it does not matter whether the light comes from; a laser or LED, the cellular response is identical

What laser should I purchase??

That depends upon the type of practice you have and the procedures you plan on using the laser for. Certain lasers are for hard tissue procedures only. Some are for soft tissue only and others can be used for both. I always recommend purchasing a dedicated PBMT unit if you plan on performing many PBMT procedures. They can be fairly inexpensive and well worth the cost and ease of use.

Will there be an ROI if I incorporate PBMT into my practice?

Yes and it will be in several ways. First some procedures are directly covered depending upon where you practice. Second, it will cut down on many post op problems so you will not be using chair time without reimbursement to cover post op problems. Lastly PBMT is a practice builder so it will increase new patient referrals.

Can dental hygienists perform PBMT?

Yes they can as these devices are not surgical lasers. The PBM devices range from Class 1 to Class 3 and are considered therapy lasers. They do not cut tissue. GMA Laser Education advises any licensed clinician to check with their state board of dental examiners to verify scope of practice.