Why Dentists Use Red Light Therapy
Can I get behind that?
You may have noticed Red Light Therapy being used in a Chiropractors office, or maybe you have seen those creepy Red Light Masks that look like they have come straight out of a horror film. What is this new fad-like technology that naturopaths and Instagram influencers are raving about? Does it really work? Is it a gimmick? Why would a dentist use it? Is it safe? I’m Dr. Sarah, Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist and Owner of Homegrown Pediatric Dentistry in Spicewood, Texas. Lets go ahead and answer all of these questions and give you all the info you need to know about Red Light Therapy and how we use it at Homegrown Pediatric Dentistry. Read a little more to see if Red Light Therapy is something that you can get behind.
What is it?
Red Light Therapy is used in many settings. It has many applications from dermal masks to whole body tanning beds. In dentistry, we use a wand like device that has a small red light at the end. The wand has a small tip capable of fitting inside the mouth. Red Light Therapy wands expose a targeted area to low levels of red and near infra-red light with a wavelength range of 600-1000 nanometers. This type of light is able to penetrate tissue and reach into the mitochondria of a cell. This stimulates ATP production which helps cells go through their own natural regenerative process. When cells regenerate healing is happening, the cells are in repair and rebuild mode. So, is Red Light Therapy making the body heal faster? In short- Yes! This type of light tells tissues to repair and regenerate.
Does it really work?
I research and vet every product, material and piece of equipment that comes into my practice. I was skeptical on this one. I found a lot of research papers, some dating back to 1903. The research in 1903 was substantial and Dr. Niels Finsen was awarded The Nobel Prize for his work. Finsens’ research proved that Red Light Therapy was able to successfully treat and reverse scarring from tuberculosis through its regenerative process. Since then, many types of light therapy have been used in the medical field. Still Skeptical? Me too. So I bought a Red Light Wand and asked some of my lovely patients if they would allow me to try it out. I tried it on numerous cases; tooth extractions, lesions, torn tissue and even on local anesthesia injection sites. I saw reduced swelling, less bruising, patients reported minimal pain, faster healing and most fascinating was immediate reduction in bleeding and faster coagulation of blood. Does it work? Yes.
Is it a gimmick?
No. At least not in my practice. I suppose some applications could be a bit gimmicky maybe some online products could be a sham. But, quality Red Light used in the correct application has scientific backing and in my practice it has proven to be a highly effective tool.
Why would a dentist use it?
A Dentist can use Red Light on damaged tissue ie; extraction site, cuts, avulsions, mucoceles, lesions, frenectomies and other types of oral surgeries. It is not used on cavities, chipped or broken teeth. Red Light Therapy is minimally invasive, safe and effective. Anytime there is damage to soft tissue, Red Light Therapy can be applied for less than 2 minutes with out causing pain or discomfort. This is a simple process that is safe and promotes healing.
is it safe?
Yes Red Light Therapy is considered to be safe. It can have a rare side effect of itchy or dry skin when used on the epidermis [outer dry skin] during dermatological applications.
Benefits
Skin rejuvenation, improved circulation, thyroid function, wound healing, reduced inflammation, sports performance. pain management, cognitive function, muscle recovery, hair growth, joint health, mood and sleep.
Normalize it!
Its time to jump on the wagon and normalize Red Light Therapy. At Homegrown Pediatric Dentistry Red Light is a Green light. Come see us at our super friendly, aesthetically pleasing office in Spicewood, Texas.