Blue vs Red Light for Postoperative Pain

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Florida

Disqualifiers: Pulpitis, Carious lesions, Root canal, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: During restorative procedure

50 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests how two types of light—blue and red—affect pain after dental procedures. Blue light is commonly used, but red light might cause less sensitivity. The researchers aim to determine if red light results in less pain and a lower temperature rise when applied to teeth. Suitable participants have fully erupted premolars and no cavities or existing restorations. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative dental pain management research.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that both blue and red light treatments are generally safe for patients. One study highlighted blue light's use in treating long-term back pain and provided important safety information. Another study found that it helps wounds heal better, suggesting that blue light is safe with few serious side effects.

Red light also shows promise. Several studies have found it safe and effective for reducing pain after surgery. It has been used to ease pain in various conditions and is considered non-invasive and safe.

Both treatments have been used in different situations with positive safety records. However, more specific data is needed on their use for recovery procedures. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using blue and red light for postoperative pain because these treatments offer a drug-free alternative to managing pain, which could reduce reliance on opioids and other medications. Unlike traditional pain management, which often involves pharmaceuticals, light therapy uses specific wavelengths to potentially reduce inflammation and promote healing at a cellular level. Blue light is known for its antibacterial properties and could help in reducing infection risks, while red light may enhance tissue repair and reduce inflammation. This innovative approach could lead to faster recovery times and fewer side effects compared to standard pain medications.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for postoperative pain?

This trial will compare the effects of blue light and red light on postoperative pain. Research has shown that blue light can help reduce pain. In one study, participants experienced less pain just 10 minutes after starting blue light treatment. Another study found that blue light also helps wounds heal faster and become smaller.

Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is another treatment option in this trial. Numerous studies have demonstrated that red light therapy can ease pain after surgery. It is considered a safe and effective way to manage postoperative pain. Both blue and red light therapies have strong evidence supporting their ability to reduce pain, making them promising options for managing discomfort after surgery. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with fully erupted pre-molars, no current dental restorations or caries, and who are generally healthy (ASA I classification). It's designed to assess the effects of blue and red light during dental procedures on postoperative pain.

Inclusion Criteria

I am in good health with no serious medical conditions.

My condition has not improved or been restored.

I do not have any cavities.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Light-curing procedure performed using blue or red light emission to measure in vivo temperature rise and post-operative sensitivity

During restorative procedure

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for post-operative sensitivity and other concerns

1 week (±2 days)

1 follow-up call

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Blue Light
• Red Light

Trial Overview The study compares the temperature rise in teeth and subsequent pain levels after using standard blue light versus red light during simulated restorative dental procedures. The goal is to determine if red light results in less post-operative sensitivity.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Red Light Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Light-curing procedure performed using red light emission.

Group II: Blue Light Active Control 1 Intervention

Light-curing procedure performed using blue light emission.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Florida

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,428

Recruited

987,000+

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)

Collaborator

Trials

312

Recruited

853,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11674469/

Effect of Laser Photobiomodulation on Postoperative Pain ... The findings of the present study suggest that laser photobiomodulation (PBM) effectively reduced postoperative pain following single-visit ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07042659

Effectiveness of Blue Light for Hard-to-heal Wounds The primary outcome is the reduction in wound size, measured at baseline, at the end of treatment (week 4), and at a follow-up visit (week 12).

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8660004/

Blue-light treatment reduces spontaneous and evoked pain ... From all treatments, only BL reduced NRS pain scores significantly (Fig. 3). This effect was visible as early as 10 minutes after initiation of ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965206X25000439

Randomized clinical trial of the efficacy of the EmoLED ... Blue light promotes overall improvement and re-epithelialization of lesions. · Blue light treatment gives an extra chance to follow a better healing course.

5. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/pain-research/articles/10.3389/fpain.2024.1444401/full

A prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, multi- ... This proof-of-concept study provides important efficacy and safety data in relation to the use of blue light in the treatment of chronic back pain.

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39109241/

A prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, multi ... This proof-of-concept study provides important efficacy and safety data in relation to the use of blue light in the treatment of chronic back pain.

7. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03677206

NCT03677206 | The Effect of Light Therapy on Chronic Pain Several clinical trials have shown that certain wavelengths of light can improve wound healing, decrease temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) pain, and ...