Physiotherapeutic hysiotherapeutic approach to support healing process following tooth extraction in dental practicein practice

General Medicine, 2026, 28(1), 35-40.

O. Popova, P. Kanazirska, H. Elkova

Department of Imaging Diagnostics, Dental Allergology and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University – Plovdiv

Abstract. This study examines modern physiotherapeutic approaches – low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and ozone therapy, applied in dental practice to accelerate the healing process following tooth extraction. Tooth extraction is a common procedure that is often associated with complications such as delayed bone healing, inflammation, and/or bone resorption. The use of LLLT and ozone therapy represents a non-invasive and accessible method to optimize dental practitioners’ care in the management of post-extraction alveolar healing and preparation for subsequent dental interventions. Oral health is closely linked to the patient’s overall health status, a primary focus of general practitioners, which underscores the importance of an integrated and informed approach. The study presents a systematic review of scientific literature published between 2000 and 2025, focused on the application of LLLT and ozone therapy to enhance bone healing after tooth extraction. The data demonstrates that LLLT stimulates angiogenesis, osteogene­sis, and modulates the inflammatory response. Ozone therapy exhibits strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antihypoxic effects, supporting soft tissue epithelialization and bone mineralization. Accelerated healing, reduced pain and postoperative swelling, and improved quality of life have been observed in patients treated with these therapies. Physiotherapeutic modalities such as LLLT and ozone therapy hold significant potential to modernize therapeutic approaches and improve the quality of dental care. They are effective, safe, and accessible alternatives to traditional methods. Despite promising results, there remains a need for standardization of dosimetric parameters and further randomized clinical trials. Raising awareness among general practitioners about these innovative methods is of key importance. It would make it possible for them to recommend appropriate complementary therapies to their patients for optimizing postoperative care, especially in high-risk groups, thereby contributing to a more effective and integrated multidisciplinary approach.

Key words: low-level laser therapy, ozone therapy, bone healing, tooth extraction, physiotherapy in dental medicine

Address for correspondence: Dr. Olga Popova, e-mail: olga.popova@mu-plovdiv.bg