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

Thalita Molinos Campos, Mayra Costanti Vilela Campos, Raquel Agnelli Mesquita-Ferari, Anna Carolina Ratto Tempestini Horliana, Sandra Kalil Bussadori, Cinthya Cosme Gutierrez Duran, Alexandre Padilha, Aldo Brugnera Júnior, Samir Nammour, Ricardo Scarparo Navarro, Kristianne Porta Santos Fernandes and Lara Jansiski Motta ()
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Thalita Molinos Campos: Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Medicine, Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), Rua Vergueiro, 235/249—Liberdade, São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil
Mayra Costanti Vilela Campos: Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Medicine, Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), Rua Vergueiro, 235/249—Liberdade, São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil
Raquel Agnelli Mesquita-Ferari: Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Medicine, Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), Rua Vergueiro, 235/249—Liberdade, São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil
Anna Carolina Ratto Tempestini Horliana: Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Medicine, Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), Rua Vergueiro, 235/249—Liberdade, São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil
Sandra Kalil Bussadori: Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Medicine, Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), Rua Vergueiro, 235/249—Liberdade, São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil
Cinthya Cosme Gutierrez Duran: Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Medicine, Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), Rua Vergueiro, 235/249—Liberdade, São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil
Alexandre Padilha: Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Medicine, Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), Rua Vergueiro, 235/249—Liberdade, São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil
Aldo Brugnera Júnior: Education College of the European Master in Oral Laser Applications (EMDOLA), University of Liege, Pl. du Vingt Août 7, 4000 Liège, Belgium
Samir Nammour: Department of Dental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liege, Pl. du Vingt Août 7, 4000 Liège, Belgium
Ricardo Scarparo Navarro: Bioengineering Postgraduate Program, Scientific and Technological Institute, Universidade Brasil, Rua Carolina Fonseca, 584, São Paulo 08230-030, SP, Brazil
Kristianne Porta Santos Fernandes: Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Medicine, Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), Rua Vergueiro, 235/249—Liberdade, São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil
Lara Jansiski Motta: Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Medicine, Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), Rua Vergueiro, 235/249—Liberdade, São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 2, 1-13

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: cost-effectiveness; low-level laser; orofacial pain; oral surgery; photobiomodulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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