Journal Article

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Photobiomodulation After Third Molar Extraction for Pain Control

Campos, Thalita Molinos, Padilha, Alexandre, Navarro, Ricardo Scarparo, Campos, Mayra Costanti Vilela, Horliana, Anna Carolina Ratto Tempestini, Duran, Cinthya Cosme Gutierrez, Nammour, Samir, Mesquita-Ferari, Raquel Agnelli, Brugnera Júnior, Aldo, Bussadori, Sandra Kalil, Fernandes, Kristianne Porta Santos, Motta, Lara Jansiski

2025

Overview

This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of photobiomodulation applied after third molar extraction. Materials and Methods: To evaluate cost-effectiveness, 15 studies were selected for a systematic review and 8 studies for a meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of photobiomodulation after surgery. In the present study, as a measure of effectiveness, the pain scale (visual analog scale) was used. The laser value was extracted from the Unified Terminology of Supplementary Health (Brazilian Health System) according to the laser application protocol most common among the clinical trials selected for the meta-analysis. As for drugs, they were determined from those most used among the works included in the meta-analysis and within the protocols established by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Results: The results of the overall analysis show a significant reduction in pain on the second day after surgery for the experimental group compared to the control (MD, −1.15; 95% CI, −1.73, −0.57). The control group has a lower cost and lower effectiveness, while laser treatment has a higher cost and higher effectiveness. Faced with this situation, the professional must clinically assess whether the cost of USD 34.62 for controlled pain intensity using the laser is worth the extra health benefit. Conclusions: Regarding the cost-effectiveness assessment, the control group has a lower cost and lower effectiveness, while laser treatment has a higher cost and higher effectiveness The decision of which treatment to choose must consider whether the cost of the therapeutic alternative outweighs the clinical gain caused by the treatment. Clinical Relevance: One of the most executed procedures in dentistry is the extraction of third molars. To reduce the negative post-surgical effects, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, which can generate unwanted effects. Photobiomodulation is a technique to modulate inflammation, accelerate tissue repair, and reduce pain and discomfort in different clinical situations.

• Publisher: MDPI AG,MDPI
• Subject: Brazil / Clinical trials / Cost analysis / Cost-Benefit Analysis / cost-effectiveness / Cost-Effectiveness Analysis / Dentisterie & médecine buccale / Dentistry & oral medicine / Drugs / Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis / Human health sciences / Humans / Inflammation / Lasers / Light therapy / low-level laser / Low-Level Light Therapy / Low-Level Light Therapy - economics / Low-Level Light Therapy/methods / Meta-analysis / Molar, Third / Molar, Third - surgery / oral surgery / orofacial pain / Pain / Pain Management / Pain Management - economics / Pain Management - methods / Pain Measurement / Pain, Postoperative / Pain, Postoperative - radiotherapy / Permeability / photobiomodulation / Pollution / Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health / Review / Sciences de la santé humaine / Surgery / Systematic review / Tooth Extraction / Tooth Extraction - adverse effects / Tooth extractions