Interaction between laser light and osteoblasts: Photobiomodulation as a trend in the management of socket bone preservation—a review

Bone defects are the main reason for aesthetic and functional disability, which negatively affect patient’s quality of life. Particularly, after tooth extraction, the bone of the alveolar process resorbs, limiting the optimal prosthetic implant placement. One of the major pathophysiological events in slowly-or non-healing tissues is a blood supply deficiency, followed by a significant decrease in cellular energy amount. The literature shows that photons at the red and infrared wavelengths can interact with specific photoacceptors located within the cell. Through this mechanism, photobiomodulation (PBM) can modify cellular metabolism, by increasing mitochondrial ATP production. Here, we present a review of the literature on the effect of PBM on bone healing, for the management of socket preservation. A search strategy was developed in line with the PRISMA statement. The PubMed and Scholar electronic databases were consulted to search for in vivo studies, with restrictions on the year (<50 years-old), language (English), bone socket preservation, and PBM. Following the search strategy, we identified 269 records, which became 14, after duplicates were removed and titles, abstract and inclusion-, exclusion-criteria were screened. Additional articles identified were 3. Therefore, 17 articles were included in the synthesis. We highlight the osteoblast–light interaction, and the in vivo therapeutic tool of PBM is discussed.