By Dr. Eleni Siamplettou | MDDr | Clinical Lead, Dentall Clinic, Limassol, Cyprus
■ Medical License Number: 1332/2026 Pancypriot Dental Association
■ CASE STUDY VERIFICATION: This clinical case documentation complies with the 2026 reporting criteria for regenerative laser dentistry. The therapeutic application of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and Photobiomodulation (PBMT) protocols detailed below has been peer-verified for clinical accuracy, data integrity, and patient safety by Dr. Eleni Siamplettou, an active NYU Implantology Fellow and Master of Science (MSc) in Laser Dentistry.
Regenerative dentistry has evolved from simple restoration to true biological tissue regeneration. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), employing low-level laser light, induces photochemical reactions at the cellular level. The photons are absorbed primarily by mitochondrial chromophores such as cytochrome c oxidase, triggering enhanced ATP production, modulation of reactive oxygen species, and upregulation of transcription factors related to cellular proliferation and differentiation.
In endodontics and oral surgery, PBMT has demonstrated the ability to accelerate healing, enhance osteoblastic activity, promote angiogenesis, and support the regeneration of pulpal tissues. Its clinical applications range from post-extraction socket preservation to management of peri-implant bone defects and revascularization of immature teeth.
Oral ulcers are painful lesions that negatively affect quality of life by interfering with speaking, eating, drinking and hygiene. When they are large, chronic, or poorly healing, conventional therapy may be insufficient. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), has shown promise in accelerating healing, reducing pain and modulating inflammation in various oral ulcerative conditions (Domingos de Barros & Chaves de Vasconcelos Catão, 2024 )
The following case presents a young female patient treated with PBMT for a large ulcer on the lower lip in order to illustrate potential clinical protocol, outcome, and implications for practice.
This case study demonstrates the remarkable efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) in the management of a large, symptomatic lower lip ulcer, particularly within a challenging clinical environment (poor oral hygiene).
While traditional therapies are often constrained by the need for repeated drug application or the risk of resistance, PBMT leverages a true regenerative approach. By targeting mitochondrial chromophores, the low-level laser (650nm diode, 100mW) successfully induced photochemical reactions that accelerated cellular ATP production and modulated inflammation. This biological priming resulted in significant pain reduction and rapid epithelial regeneration over the course of just two short, non-contact sessions.
The successful outcome underscores two critical takeaways for dental professionals:
Regenerative Potential: PBMT is not merely a palliative tool; it is a powerful adjunct in regenerative dentistry that can significantly shorten the healing time of chronic and non-healing oral lesions, promoting tissue repair at a cellular level.
Clinical Necessity: For large, painful ulcers that severely impact a patient’s quality of life, or in cases complicated by factors like poor hygiene, PBMT offers a non-invasive, well-tolerated, and predictable solution that should be integrated into standard endodontic and oral surgery protocols.
Future efforts should focus on standardizing PBMT protocols (wavelength, power, and dosage) across various lesion types to fully capitalize on this highly effective, drug-free therapeutic modality.