# High-Power Laser Therapy for Oral Lichen Planus: A Systematic Review

## TL;DR

This review finds that high-power lasers like CO2 and Er:YAG are effective and safe for treating oral lichen planus, reducing symptoms and side effects compared to traditional methods.

## Contribution

The study systematically evaluates high-power laser therapy as a novel alternative for managing oral lichen planus.

## Key findings

- High-power lasers significantly reduce lesion size, pain, and recurrence in OLP patients.
- CO2 lasers show better lesion resolution and pain relief, while Er:YAG lasers offer precision for localized lesions.
- Laser therapy is associated with minimal side effects and faster recovery times.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic, autoimmune-mediated mucocutaneous disorder that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. Conventional therapies, such as corticosteroids, are often associated with side effects, prompting the exploration of alternative treatments. High-power lasers, including CO2 and Er:YAG lasers, have emerged as promising options due to their precision and therapeutic potential in managing OLP. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of high-power lasers in reducing lesion size, pain, and recurrence rates in OLP patients. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane using keywords related to laser therapy and OLP. Inclusion criteria focused on randomized controlled trials and clinical studies with clear methodologies. Data from eight studies were analyzed, covering various laser types and treatment parameters. Results: The findings indicate that high-power laser therapy significantly reduces lesion size, pain levels, and recurrence rates compared to conventional treatments. CO2 lasers demonstrated superior outcomes in lesion resolution and pain relief, while Er:YAG lasers offered precision in treating localized lesions. Most studies reported minimal side effects and faster recovery times, enhancing patient satisfaction. Conclusions: High-power lasers, particularly CO2 and Er:YAG, represent a safe and effective alternative to conventional therapies for OLP, with advantages such as reduced side effects and improved patient outcomes. Future research should focus on standardizing protocols and conducting large-scale randomized trials to validate these findings and establish lasers as a reliable treatment modality for OLP.