Advanced Therapeutics · Harley Street, Marylebone
PBM Therapy
Photobiomodulation, PBM, is a therapeutic laser treatment that accelerates the body's own healing process at a cellular level. It uses calibrated wavelengths of near-infrared light to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and speed up tissue repair, without heat, without cutting, and without any side effects. At This Is It Dental, PBM is applied routinely after surgical procedures, root canal treatment, and for patients with chronic jaw pain or mouth ulcers.
The Science: How PBM Works
Photobiomodulation, previously known in clinical literature as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), does not use heat or surgical cutting. It utilises precise, calibrated wavelengths of near-infrared and red laser light directed safely into the tissues. When this specialised light penetrates stressed or damaged cells, it triggers a cascade of beneficial biochemical reactions:
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Mitochondrial Stimulation
The light energy is absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase, an enzyme inside the cell's mitochondria. This boosts the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), the essential cellular fuel required for rapid tissue repair and regeneration.
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Reduction of Oxidative Stress
PBM releases nitric oxide trapped within the cells, restoring normal oxygen consumption and immediately lowering localised oxidative stress, which reduces inflammation, redness, and swelling.
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Enhanced Microcirculation
Local blood vessels dilate, increasing the flow of oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells directly to the healing site while hastening the removal of cellular waste products.
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Immediate Pain Alleviation
PBM blocks pain signal transmission along C-fibre nerve pathways and stimulates the release of endorphins, providing deep, natural pain relief without systemic medication.
What to Expect
PBM is applied while you are still resting comfortably in the chair immediately following your procedure. Dr. Uberoi's team calibrates the Biolase dental laser to the exact therapeutic settings for your tissue type. The handpiece is held just above the treated area and gently swept over the gums, jaw joint, or facial muscles in a structured pattern. The entire application takes two to five minutes per zone. Most patients feel absolutely nothing; some describe a soothing, mild warmth in the tissues. There is no discomfort, no recovery time, and no restrictions on eating or drinking afterwards.
Key Clinical Applications
Oral Surgery & Implants
Applied immediately after tooth extractions, bone grafting, and implant placement. Drastically reduces typical post-operative swelling and bruising, manages localised tenderness, and accelerates the osseointegration of the implant into the bone structure.
TMJ & Muscular Pain Relief
Applied directly over the masseter and temporalis muscles and the jaw joint capsule. Provides immediate relief from painful muscle spasms, reduces joint inflammation, and restores a normal, comfortable range of jaw movement. For patients with chronic jaw joint issues or severe clenching, results are often felt during the session itself.
Endodontic & Periodontal Healing
Following root canal treatment or deep periodontal pocket decontamination, PBM calms the nerve endings surrounding the tooth root, effectively eliminating post-treatment sensitivity and stimulating bone remodelling around the root apex.
Aphthous Ulcers & Cold Sores
Treating a painful mouth ulcer or cold sore with PBM within the first 48 hours halts its progression, removes the sharp pain immediately, and cuts the typical 10-day natural healing time in half.
Transparent fees
| PBM Therapy (included as standard after surgical, implant & endodontic procedures) | Included |
|---|---|
| Standalone Targeted PBM Session (e.g. TMJ relief, ulcer treatment) | Confirmed at consultation |
| PBM Therapeutic Course for Chronic TMD (3–5 sessions) | Confirmed at consultation |
Fees confirmed in writing at your consultation. No treatment proceeds without your agreement.
Email Dr Rena Uberoi
Send us an email and we aim to get back to you the same day.
Frequently asked questions
Is PBM therapy safe?
Yes, it is exceptionally well-studied. PBM uses non-ionising wavelengths of light entirely outside the ultraviolet spectrum, carrying absolutely zero risk of cellular damage or mutagenic change. It is backed by thousands of peer-reviewed clinical studies globally and used across multiple medical specialities beyond dentistry.
How many sessions will I need?
For post-operative healing after an extraction, implant, or root canal, a single application immediately following your procedure is typically all that is required to significantly optimise your recovery. For chronic conditions such as long-standing TMJ dysfunction or recurrent muscle spasm, a short course of three to five sessions over two weeks tends to produce deep, lasting relief.
Can PBM reduce my need for post-operative painkillers?
Frequently, yes. By reducing swelling at a cellular level and blocking pain pathways naturally, many patients manage their post-procedure recovery entirely without systemic medication. More complex surgical cases may still require over-the-counter ibuprofen for the first 24 hours, but the overall requirement is typically significantly reduced.
Are there any side effects?
There are no known adverse side effects associated with professional PBM therapy. Because it does not emit heat, it cannot burn or irritate delicate oral tissues. You can eat, drink, and continue all normal daily activities immediately following the session.
Ask about laser therapy
Book a consultation for an honest assessment and a clear written plan.