THERAPEUTIC LASER USE IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY PROCEDURES: EVIDENCE FROM AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Pediatric dentistry, dedicated to the care of children’s oral health, faces challenges such as fear and anxiety during dental visits, which may compromise patient cooperation and the effectiveness of procedures. Laser therapy, a technological resource based on the emission of stimulated electromagnetic radiation, offers benefits such as analgesia, modulation of inflammation, stimulation of tissue repair, and antimicrobial effects, promoting a more humanized and efficient dental care experience. Nevertheless, its application in children still lacks standardized protocols and robust clinical evidence. Objective: To evaluate the use of laser therapy in pediatric dentistry, highlighting its indications, benefits, and limitations in the pediatric population. Methods: This is an integrative literature review. Searches were conducted in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases using the descriptors “Pediatric Dentistry” and “Laser Therapy” combined with the Boolean operator AND. Studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included. Screening was performed by reading titles and abstracts, followed by full-text analysis of eligible papers. Title and abstract screening resulted in the selection of 8 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The selected studies addressed applications of laser therapy in analgesia, inflammation control, acceleration of healing, management of dentin hypersensitivity, and support for surgical procedures in pediatric patients. Discussion: The results indicate that laser therapy is a promising tool in pediatric dentistry, associated with reduced discomfort and improved recovery. However, its effectiveness may vary according to the type of laser, application parameters, and individual patient characteristics. Furthermore, limitations such as subjectivity in assessing pain in children, the need for specialized training, possible unpleasant sensations during use, and the lack of consensus on optimal protocols were observed. Conclusion: Laser therapy represents a useful and potentially beneficial resource in pediatric dentistry, contributing to less invasive procedures and greater comfort for young patients. However, broader and longer-term clinical studies, with standardized parameters, are necessary to consolidate its safe and effective application in pediatric clinical practice. Introduction: Pediatric dentistry, dedicated to the care of children’s oral health, faces challenges such as fear and anxiety during dental visits, which may compromise patient cooperation and the effectiveness of procedures. Laser therapy, a technological resource based on the emission of stimulated electromagnetic radiation, offers benefits such as analgesia, modulation of inflammation, stimulation of tissue repair, and antimicrobial effects, promoting a more humanized and efficient dental care experience. Nevertheless, its application in children still lacks standardized protocols and robust clinical evidence. Objective: To evaluate the use of laser therapy in pediatric dentistry, highlighting its indications, benefits, and limitations in the pediatric population. Methods: This is an integrative literature review. Searches were conducted in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases using the descriptors “Pediatric Dentistry” and “Laser Therapy” combined with the Boolean operator AND. Studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included. Screening was performed by reading titles and abstracts, followed by full-text analysis of eligible papers. Title and abstract screening resulted in the selection of 8 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The selected studies addressed applications of laser therapy in analgesia, inflammation control, acceleration of healing, management of dentin hypersensitivity, and support for surgical procedures in pediatric patients. Discussion: The results indicate that laser therapy is a promising tool in pediatric dentistry, associated with reduced discomfort and improved recovery. However, its effectiveness may vary according to the type of laser, application parameters, and individual patient characteristics. Furthermore, limitations such as subjectivity in assessing pain in children, the need for specialized training, possible unpleasant sensations during use, and the lack of consensus on optimal protocols were observed. Conclusion: Laser therapy represents a useful and potentially beneficial resource in pediatric dentistry, contributing to less invasive procedures and greater comfort for young patients. However, broader and longer-term clinical studies, with standardized parameters, are necessary to consolidate its safe and effective application in pediatric clinical practice.