The current evidence suggests that antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) with the application of methylene blue as a photosensitizer and red laser activation is suitable for disinfecting carious tissue. However, since many dental practices lack access to lasers, a standard dental curing light could be an alternative light source. This study evaluated the use of fuchsin as a photosensitizer in aPDT and a blue light-emitting diode (LED) dental curing light for the disinfection of carious dentin. Sixty permanent third molars were selected, cut to obtain flat dentin surfaces, and subjected to a 15-day cariogenic challenge with Streptococcus mutans. The specimens were allocated into four groups (n=15): no disinfection; fuchsin; blue LED irradiation; and aPDT (fuchsin plus blue LED irradiation). S. mutans counts were obtained in the remaining carious dentin from all specimens across all groups. Results were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test (Student-Newman-Keuls). The percentage reduction in microbial load was 96.07% for aPDT, 88.85% for LED alone, and 85.46% for fuchsin alone. SEM demonstrated a greater reduction in microbial burden after aPDT with fuchsin and blue LED light, with removal of the smear layer and exposure of dentin tubules. Fuchsin-mediated aPDT using blue LED irradiation significantly reduced microbial load and may represent a viable alternative for the disinfection of carious tissue, particularly in settings without access to laser devices.
Peripheral facial palsy represents a neurological condition with motor repercussions. Although physiotherapy is the mainstay of treatment, the evidence on the clinical efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) using photobiomodulation is still limited and heterogeneous. The primary objective is to assess the impact of low-level therapeutic laser (Class 3B) on the functional recovery of patients with peripheral facial paralysis treated at the Daniel Alcides Carrión Hospital in Huancayo, Peru. A pre-post quasi-experimental study was conducted in 41 patients with peripheral facial paralysis, of which 80.5% had Bell’s palsy. The treatment consisted of photobiomodulation with low-intensity laser (1064 nm, 63 mW, 3 J/cm2, 40 s/point) applied in ten sessions. Facial function was assessed using the House-Brackmann scale before and after treatment. The data were analyzed with the Wilcoxon test (p<0.05). The median House-Brackmann score was reduced from 4 to 2, representing a significant improvement (Δ=−2; p<0.001; r=0.87). LLLT-based photobiomodulation has proven to be safe and effective in the improvement of facial function in peripheral facial palsy, with no adverse effects. Patients with symptom duration of less than 4 weeks had significantly better functional recovery. The therapeutic effect of LLLT is supported by these results. Therefore, strict randomized controlled trials (RCTs) should be required to verify these results and provide unanimous dosimetry and frequency protocols to achieve the best clinical implementation.
The aim of this preliminary in vivo clinical trial was to compare the effectiveness of conventional periodontal treatment with that of PhotoDinamic Therapy (PDT) and probiotic (PB) supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes. Thirty-six diabetic patients complicated with periodontal disease were randomly divided into three groups: control group, PDT group, and PB group. Regular re-examinations were carried out on days 30, 60, and 90 after treatment. The contents of the re-examination included bleeding, periodontal pocket depth, and tooth mobility. Venous blood samples were collected on days 0, 30, and 90 of the research process. The assessed key indicators included glycated hemoglobin, glycated albumin, which accurately reflects blood glucose fluctuations over the previous 2-3 weeks, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, to gain insights into the body’s potential inflammatory status. Sulcus bleeding index and probing depth of the periodontal pocket in the PDT and PB groups were lower than those in the control group, with a small difference between the two groups. Moreover, while the conventional periodontal treatment caused a decreasing of the three blood markers, the addition of PDT and PB did not influence these key indicators. This study suggests that integrated treatment, combining the conventional approach with PDT and PB, improves periodontal health, although it does not appear to affect glycemic control.
Primary axillary hyperhidrosis (AH) is a chronic condition that significantly impacts quality of life. The 1470 nm wavelength, characterized by high hydro-absorption, offers the potential for more confined photo-thermocoagulation of the glandular compartment when energy is delivered interstitially under tumescent anesthesia. We conducted an uncontrolled single-center prospective series on 23 adults (16 men, 7 women; aged 21-53 years) treated using a 1470 nm diode laser (LASEmaR 1500®, Eufoton®, Trieste, Italy) connected to a 400 μm optical fiber inserted into a hollow cannula with an open tip and blunt end through 2-3 access points per axilla. Follow-up was carried out at 6 and 12 months. Outcomes included Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS; primary endpoint), gravimetry (mg/5 min), local humidity (%), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), and safety. The protocol allowed selective retreatment at 6 months in patients with clinically relevant residual activity/high functional demands. All patients achieved HDSS ≤2 at both 6 and 12 months. Mean gravimetry decreased from 128.8±27.7 to 38.4±10.8 and 32.0±9.4 mg/5 min; humidity from 75.3±5.8% to 45.7±3.3% and 43.4±3.6%. DLQI fell from 15.9±4.4 to 5.0±1.1 and 4.3±1.1. At 12 months, overall assessment was excellent in 82.6% (19/23), good in 8.7% (2/23), and fair in 8.7% (2/23). Adverse events were mild and transient, with no infections or burns. Of the 23 participants, 16 underwent a single treatment session, while 7 received a retreatment at 6 months. In this prospective case series, interstitial 1470 nm laser with tumescent assistance was associated with clinically relevant improvement up to 12 months and a favorable tolerability profile. Given the uncontrolled observational design and selective retreatment in a subset, these findings should be considered hypothesis-generating and warrant confirmation in comparative studies.
Photobiomodulation (PBM), previously named Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), has ancient origins, with Hippocrates considered the first physician who recommended exposing ulcers and wounds to sunlight for accelerating the healing process. Subsequently, at the end of the 18th century, Joseph Priestley started his photochemical research, later continued by Antoine de Lavoisier, who constructed the basis of modern photobiology. In 1960, Theodore Maiman constructed the first laser device emitting a coherent, collimated, and monochromatic (red) beam, and Endre Mester, a few years later, discovered the possibility of using the coherent light at low power to increase the wound healing process. After him, Tiina Karu suggested that PBM activate cytochrome-c-oxidase, the unit IV in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, thus increasing the enzyme activity, oxygen consumption, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production by the inhibitory nitric oxide photodissociation. Moreover, a decrease in prostaglandin E2 concentrations and an increase in the production of endogenous opioids, such as endorphins, were demonstrated, along with the inhibition of pain transmission signals through effects on nociceptors, ultimately resulting in pain control. Hamblin underlined that PBM is more effective in reducing pain associated with C-fibers than A-delta fibers, supporting the hypothesis that it may preferentially target specific nerve pathways involved in pain transmission. The aim of this work was to focus on the state of the art of PBM, from the present to future possible applications.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a common complication of diabetes, leads to neuropathic pain, reduced nerve conduction, impaired balance, and abnormal plantar pressure, increasing the risk of falls and ulceration. Conventional therapies often provide limited relief, leaving persistent pain and dysfunction. Class IV laser therapy offers potent photobiomodulation to enhance nerve regeneration and conduction, while neural mobilization restores nerve dynamics. This case report highlights the therapeutic potential of class IV laser therapy as a key intervention for neurorehabilitation in DPN, used in conjunction with neural mobilization to enhance outcomes. The laser intervention resulted in marked alleviation of neuropathic pain and significant improvement in nerve conduction, balance, and proprioceptive control. Plantar pressure analysis demonstrated a more balanced load distribution, indicating optimized foot biomechanics and reduced ulceration risk. Overall, the findings underscore class IV laser therapy, particularly when integrated with neural mobilization, as a powerful, non-invasive physiotherapeutic approach capable of accelerating neural recovery and enhancing functional restoration in patients with DPN.
The combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital laser systems is revolutionizing dental practices. It is allowing us to achieve precision we have never seen before: down to the sub-millimeter level and deliver truly personalized care. We can think of AI as a powerful assistant, not just a tool. It quickly processes vast amounts of complex information from sources such as cone-beam CT (CBCT) and intraoral scans, providing us with more reliable predictions for treatment outcomes and continually adjusting safety parameters in real-time. [...]
This study addresses the need for reliable alternative measurement sites to the fingers, such as the lips and tongue, for measuring oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate (PR). This is particularly important in cases of poor circulation, finger injury, or during surgery. The study included 20 healthy participants. SpO2 and PR were measured using a pulse oximeter. Measurements were taken at the finger, lower and upper lips, and tongue. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done for site comparisons and for establishing reference ranges for these sites. SpO2 readings were normally distributed (p>0.05), with the greatest readings coming from the finger site (98.23±1.83), followed by the lower lip (97.20±1.77), the upper lip (96.40±3.17), and finally the tongue (93.56±4.25). Pairwise comparisons indicated no significant differences between the suggested locations and the finger, except for the tongue (p<0.05). The PR data seemed normally distributed (p>0.05), with the greatest PR seen at the finger location (79.25±8.26), then the lower lip (75.30±7.69), the upper lip (74.55±8.37), and finally the tongue (71.5±9.05). Lower and upper lip sites showed no statistically significant changes, but a significant difference was found at the tongue site (p<0.05). Based on our findings, the lower and upper lips can serve as alternative sites for SpO2 and PR measurements, as they closely align with values observed from the finger site. However, the tongue site showed significantly lower SpO2 and PR values.
Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is an oral cavity soft tissue tumor of unknown etiology. It has been hypothesized that a probable origin is related to an exacerbated response of the connective tissue to trauma, local irritation, or hormonal imbalances. The standard treatment for oral PG includes the elimination of etiological factors as well as the conservative surgical removal of the lesion. Several different surgical approaches have been proposed for this purpose, such as cryosurgery, cauterization with silver nitrate, sclerotherapy, injection of absolute ethanol, sodium tetradecyl sulfate, and corticosteroids. Recently, several studies have proposed diode laser as the gold standard surgical treatment, underlining the advantages of its utilization. The aim of this case report was to describe the removal of a PG lesion localized in the lower incisor gingiva by the use of an infrared diode laser.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide. Metabolic disorders, including glucose and lipid disorders, exacerbate liver pathophysiology in patients with MASLD. We have previously demonstrated that laser acupuncture (stress-free therapy; SFT) improves glucose and lipid metabolism. Additionally, we have found that SFT can increase blood flow throughout the body and decrease stress-related hormones. The purpose of this study was to examine whether SFT can improve liver function test values. This investigation was conducted as a retrospective cohort study, including 185 subjects (females/males: 89/96; age: 64.3±11.8 years). Blood samples were collected from all subjects before and after SFT. We measured liver function indicators, glucose levels, and lipid levels, and compared the value of each factor before and after SFT using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired comparisons. Liver function indicators (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], lactate dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase) significantly decreased after SFT. Blood levels of total cholesterol (T-Chol) and glucose also significantly reduced after SFT. The gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) level did not change after SFT. Subgroup analysis by gender did not modify the overall findings. Findings from this large-scale study indicate that SFT may significantly improve liver function indicators. These results highlight the potential of SFT as an effective therapeutic strategy for MASLD.
This article evaluates the clinical efficacy, safety, and mechanistic insights of using the EndoliftX® laser device (Eufoton®, Trieste, Italy) with interstitial radial fibre delivery technology (ELX fibres, Eufoton®) for submental skin contraction. Through a detailed review of clinical and pre-clinical studies, we explore outcomes, including subcutaneous fat reduction, skin tightening, and collagen remodelling. The analysis includes procedural best practices, potential adverse effects, and patient satisfaction metrics, offering a comprehensive understanding of this minimally invasive procedure as an alternative to surgical neck lifting.
This study examines the impact of EndoliftX® 1470 nm diode laser treatment (Eufoton®, Trieste, Italy), which utilizes specific 200-300 μm conically shaped micro-optical fibres with radial emission (ELX 200-300 Radial fibres), on eyelid dermal thickness. Ten patients underwent three laser sessions with high-frequency linear ultrasound imaging using the Esaote SL3116 probe to measure dermal changes at baseline, one month, and three months post-treatment. EndoliftX®, a minimally invasive laser procedure, delivers energy subdermally, promoting collagen remodeling and skin firming while preserving the epidermal integrity. The results indicated a consistent and significant increase in dermal thickness, demonstrating the potential of EndoliftX® as a valuable, non-surgical option for periorbital rejuvenation in oculoplastic practice. These findings underscore the importance of precise, non-invasive imaging techniques, such as the Esaote SL3116 probe, in objectively quantifying treatment outcomes.
This article evaluates the clinical efficacy, safety, and mechanistic insights of using the EndoliftX® laser device (Eufoton®, Trieste, Italy) with interstitial radial fibre delivery technology (ELX fibres, Eufoton®) for submental skin contraction. Through a detailed review of clinical and pre-clinical studies, we explore outcomes, including subcutaneous fat reduction, skin tightening, and collagen remodelling. The analysis includes procedural best practices, potential adverse effects, and patient satisfaction metrics, offering a comprehensive understanding of this minimally invasive procedure as an alternative to surgical neck lifting.
The aging process and certain pathological conditions can result in scrotal skin laxity, redundancy, and aesthetic concerns. Epidemiological evidence suggests that scrotal laxity is more common in men over 50 years of age and affects up to 25-30% of patients after significant weight loss. Current treatments are limited; scrotoplasty remains the standard surgical option, but it is associated with scarring, recovery time, and potential complications. Endolift®, a protocol developed by Eufoton® (Trieste, Italy) and applied as the Elevalift protocol for the genital area, is a minimally invasive, laser-assisted technique that has demonstrated efficacy in inducing collagen remodeling, skin tightening, and tissue retraction in various anatomical regions. This publication reports on the first clinical experience conducted at the San Isidro Central Hospital “Melchor Angel Posse” (Buenos Aires, Argentina), evaluating the application of Endolift®/Elevalift in scrotal tissue, with a focus on the mechanisms of action, tissue characteristics, ethical compliance, safety profile, and preliminary results. All procedures were performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Approval was granted by the Institutional Bioethics Committee.
This in vivo pilot study investigates the histological regenerative effects of a subdermal 1470 nm laser (EndoliftX®, Eufoton® , Trieste, Italy) on human abdominal skin, aiming to assess its role in dermal remodeling. Laser energy was delivered at 5, 20, and 40 J/cm2 to defined areas of abdominal skin in patients undergoing abdominoplasty. Biopsies were obtained at 3 and 6 months post-treatment and assessed for changes in dermal thickness, collagen, and elastin content compared to the control untreated region. Histological staining and image analysis revealed that the 5 and 20 J/cm2 treatments significantly increased dermal thickness and collagen deposition, particularly with the 20 J/cm2 dose, which induced dense, organized collagen bundles indicative of neocollagenesis. Sirius red staining showed increased type III collagen, and Verhoeff-Van Gieson (VVG) staining indicated enhanced and more aligned elastin fibers at moderate energy levels. Conversely, the 40 J/cm2 treatment dose showed signs of collagen fragmentation and reduced elastin coherence, suggesting potential thermal damage. These findings confirm the efficacy of EndoliftX in promoting skin tightening and remodeling at optimal energy settings while highlighting a non-linear dose-response relationship. The results support further development of personalized protocols for minimally invasive procedures in regenerative medicine and aesthetic dermatology.
Tooth discoloration and staining are aesthetic issues that trouble many patients. The purpose of this study is to compare tooth color change after bleaching with Nd:YAG, Er:YAG, and diode lasers. Forty-eight upper and lower human anterior teeth and premolars were divided into four groups (12 teeth each). Bleaching gel with 38% hydrogen peroxide was placed on the teeth in all four groups. In the first, second, and third groups, Nd:YAG laser, Er:YAG laser, and diode laser were irradiated after applying the bleaching gel. In the fourth group, which is considered as control group, no laser rays were irradiated for activation after the bleaching gel was placed. Before and after bleaching, the shade of the teeth was measured using the CIELab system by a spectrophotometer (SpectroShade, MHT, Verona, Italy). The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparison test. All bleaching methods resulted in significant changes in tooth shade (ΔE≥3.3). The average color changes between groups differed significantly (p<0.05). Diode laser caused the highest (ΔE=10.16), and Er:YAG laser caused the lowest amount of color change among all groups (ΔE=5.14). There was no difference between the Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers (p>0.05). The color change in the diode laser group was significantly higher than in the control group, whereas it was lower in the Er:YAG and Nd:YAG groups.
Lasers are common dermatological tools used for both clinical and aesthetic indications. The CO2 laser is the gold standard system used for ablative removal of benign lesions. Due to its high absorption in water and low ablation threshold, it can be used to remove, cut, and coagulate skin tissue. This retrospective analysis compared the 3-month safety and performance of the Alma Hybrid/Hylight 50 and Pixel CO2 Focus laser systems used to remove benign skin lesions in adult patients. Treatment tolerability was rated immediately after the procedure, while clearance and patient satisfaction with treatment outcomes were assessed at the 6-month follow-up visit. Overall, 37 lesions were excised with the Hybrid/Hylight 50 laser, and 41 lesions were excised with the Pixel CO2/Focus laser. In both cohorts, 70% of the lesions removed were intradermal nevi or skin tags, all lesions were nonvascular, and most were located on the face (Hybrid/Hylight: 75.7%; Pixel CO2/Focus: 61.0%). Median lesion size was 7.65 mm and 7.09 mm in the Hybrid/Hylight and Pixel/Focus cohorts, respectively. Complete removal of all lesions was achieved after a single treatment session, regardless of the laser system used. Patients reported very low pain levels and were highly satisfied with the treatment outcomes. Hypopigmentation was reported for two patients in the Hybrid/Hylight cohort and 1 patient in the Pixel cohort; 1 patient in each cohort developed post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. All adverse events resolved within 5-10 months. Our findings indicate that CO2 lasers can safely and effectively remove benign skin lesions of varying sizes and locations on the body.
Laser therapy effectively reduces the risk of excessive bleeding, a critical condition in rural healthcare units due to limited hemostatic tools and specialist availability. This research aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of utilizing lasers to enhance socket hemostasis in Thailand’s primary, secondary, and tertiary-level healthcare units. This prospective observational study involved a total of 27 patients, aged 50 and older, who were at risk of extraction socket bleeding due to medications or gingival inflammation. Each study unit provided routine dental treatments along with supplemental laser therapy, as chosen by the operators. A single researcher assessed the related clinical outcomes. Primary and secondary-level healthcare units utilized an 810 nm diode laser; in contrast, a tertiary-level healthcare unit employed a 653 nm and 980 nm diode laser. Soft-assisted tissue loosening was conducted using 810 nm or 980 nm diode lasers, with a power of 2.5 to 3 W delivered via a 320-micron optical fiber. To initiate blood clot formation, a 635 nm at 0.2 W, 5.08 J/cm2 via 8-mm diameter laser probe, or 810 nm at 0.8 W, 5.93 J/cm2 via 6-mm diameter biomodulation probe was applied for 10 s per session. Secondary and tertiary-level healthcare units often combined laser-assisted soft tissue loosening and photobiomodulation, whereas the primary-level healthcare unit generally opted for utilizing photobiomodulation alone (p<0.001). Laser therapies employed in this study achieved socket hemostasis in 72 out of 86 sockets, with 55 achieving hemostasis within 5 min. The operators confirmed the clinical efficacy in reducing hemostasis duration across all study units (p=0.702), without experiencing post-extraction bleeding or clinical complications. Our findings indicate that a combination of laser-assisted soft tissue loosening and photobiomodulation to induce blood clot formation is a safe and effective local measure for enhancing socket hemostasis.
Lasers are common dermatological tools used for both clinical and aesthetic indications. The CO2 laser is the gold standard system used for ablative removal of benign lesions. Due to its high absorption in water and low ablation threshold, it can be used to remove, cut, and coagulate skin tissue. This retrospective analysis compared the 3-month safety and performance of the Alma Hybrid/Hylight 50 and Pixel CO2 Focus laser systems used to remove benign skin lesions in adult patients. Treatment tolerability was rated immediately after the procedure, while clearance and patient satisfaction with treatment outcomes were assessed at the 6-month follow-up visit. Overall, 37 lesions were excised with the Hybrid/Hylight 50 laser, and 41 lesions were excised with the Pixel CO2/Focus laser. In both cohorts, 70% of the lesions removed were intradermal nevi or skin tags, all lesions were nonvascular, and most were located on the face (Hybrid/Hylight: 75.7%; Pixel CO2/Focus: 61.0%). Median lesion size was 7.65 mm and 7.09 mm in the Hybrid/Hylight and Pixel/Focus cohorts, respectively. Complete removal of all lesions was achieved after a single treatment session, regardless of the laser system used. Patients reported very low pain levels and were highly satisfied with the treatment outcomes. Hypopigmentation was reported for two patients in the Hybrid/Hylight cohort and 1 patient in the Pixel cohort; 1 patient in each cohort developed post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. All adverse events resolved within 5-10 months. Our findings indicate that CO2 lasers can safely and effectively remove benign skin lesions of varying sizes and locations on the body.
It is a great pleasure to inform you that this November, the Chinese Association for Laser in Medicine and Surgery (CALMS) was officially founded in Shijiazhuang. This represents a great accomplishment obtained thanks to the great job of Prof. Jean-Paul Rocca who, several years ago, started to teach the laser basic principles as well its applications in medicine, dentistry and surgery to the Chinese practitioners. [...]
