Red Light Therapy

Einstein predicted that the future of medicine would be frequencies because light energy is the basis for all life. His hypothesis has become more interesting because of the positive effect that red and near infrared light has been shown to have on the body.

Robin has been using dental lasers for over 20 years in almost all dental treatments. When using lasers, he noticed how healing was faster, and patients reported very little discomfort. He also found that there was tissue regeneration. He expected some of this as the lasers cause less damage to tissue and bone, but the effects went way beyond what he thought. He has also used lasers to prevent mouth ulcers during chemotherapy treatment and to successfully treat facial numbness and pain.

There are now thousands of studies worldwide on the healing powers of laser light (mostly in the infrared and near infrared spectrum) and high-powered LEDs. This is called photobiomodulation and some hospitals abroad now have photobiomodulation units which are used to help treat a wide range of conditions. There are now three hospitals in the UK using LED light therapy in cancer units to mitigate against some of the unwanted effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. And red light therapy beds are becoming more common and we are delighted that there is now one at Harpenden Medical.

Robin recently attended the annual conference of WALT (World Association for Photobiomodulation Therapy) which was held in London for the first time. Research was presented on the effective use of lasers and high-powered LEDs on a huge range of conditions:

• Mucositis. This is an unwanted and painful side effect of certain cancer treatments. Lasers and high-powered LEDs and been shown to reduce or prevent mucositis so patients can continue to eat and maintain oral hygiene throughout their treatment. The need for children to have feeding tubes has reduced and they can continue to brush their teeth.
• Facial numbness
• Radiotherapy induced fibrosis.
• Macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Glasses with LEDs can be worn to reverse the effects of macular regeneration and prevent it from returning.
• Joint issues, arthritis, tendonitis.
• Diabetes-ulcers, neuropathy.
• Loss of taste after Covid.
• Parkinsons and Alzheimers, MS, depression and anxiety.
• Nerve regeneration – spinal cord injuries.
• Wound and fracture healing.
• Muscle fatigue and athletic performance
• Tinnitus
• Lung inflammation
• Genitourinary conditions
• Skin regeneration
• Hair regrowth

The largest hospital in France now has a photobiomodulation unit attached to it so that hospital doctors can prescribe treatment to be carried out. Many physiotherapists, opticians and vets are now offer laser therapy. We predict that in the future, all hospitals will have photobiomodulation departments.

At Wayside all our dentists use lasers where they can in place of a scalpel and drill and additionally use diode lasers post-surgery to encourage healing. Our hygienist, Anita, uses the laser for periodontal treatment and for healing.

For more information on the use of lasers in dentistry contact us today and one of our friendly team will be more than happy to answer any questions.