11. Prosthodontics and rehabilitation
PBM in prosthodontics and oral rehabilitation
Objectives here are narrow and mostly soft-tissue related. Do not invent indications for rehabilitation outcomes.
Denture-related mucosal irritation, postoperative discomfort and soft-tissue adaptation after appropriate prosthetic correction.
Soft-tissue repair support and pain modulation in mechanically irritated mucosa.
Tissue and anatomical targets
- • Denture-bearing mucosa
- • Traumatic ulcers from prosthesis borders
- • Peri-abutment soft tissue
Clinical objectives
- • Mucosal healing support
- • Discomfort modulation during adaptation
Dosimetric reasoning
- • Define the mucosal field area; ulcer size changes the area between sessions — re-measure.
Technique
- • Non-contact over ulcerated mucosa; prosthesis removed during application.
Limitations
- • Cannot correct border extension, occlusion or fit.
- • Recurrence is certain if the mechanical cause persists.
Common errors
- • Treating the ulcer while leaving the over-extended flange unadjusted.
Clinical pearls
- • Adjust the prosthesis first; then PBM supports healing of the residual lesion.
Indications and evidence level
Biphasic dose-response, irradiance and light–tissue interaction were established there. Now apply them to this specialty's tissue thickness, vascularity and inflammatory state.
State the diagnosis and clinical objective before selecting a single parameter, and record the evidence level supporting what you tell the patient.
Eye protection for patient, operator and assistant. PBM does not remove the need for diagnosis, clinical judgment or medical coordination.
Knowledge checkpoint
Recurrent ulcer under a complete denture flange. Best sequence?
Chapter summary
- • The biological principles are unchanged; the target, objective and strategy change.
- • Etiological treatment first; PBM as adjunct where justified.
- • Only claim what the evidence level supports.
- • Systematic reviews and meta-analyses on PBM in dentistry — to be curated by the academic team.
- • International PBM/laser safety guidance applicable in the institution's jurisdiction.
- • Institutional clinical protocol documentation (where authorised).
Linked educational cases
Educational content only. These algorithms are educational decision-support tools and never autonomous medical decision-makers. Clinical decisions remain the responsibility of the treating professional. Certification within OHDR Study™ is not a university award unless an authorised institution has been formally configured.