Photobiomodulation in the management of pain, edema, and trismus after impacted third molar surgery: The role of bioptron polarized light in current evidence

Background. Surgical extraction of impacted third molars is often followed by pain, edema, and trismus, which may impair oral function and daily activities during early healing. Photobiomodulation therapy, including low-level laser, LED, and polarized polychromatic non-coherent light, has been investigated as a non-invasive adjunct for reducing postoperative morbidity. Bioptron delivers polarized polychromatic non-coherent light, but evidence for its use in oral surgery is limited. Aim. This narrative review evaluates evidence on photobiomodulation in the management of complications after impacted third molar surgery, with emphasis on the role of Bioptron polarized light therapy. Material and methods. A literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for publications from 2000 to 2025. Clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and relevant observational studies assessing photobiomodulation, laser therapy, LED therapy, or polarized light therapy in third molar surgery were included. Results. Evidence suggests that photobiomodulation may reduce postoperative pain, edema, and, to a lesser extent, trismus after third molar extraction, with the strongest support for laser and LED-based interventions. Proposed mechanisms include cytochrome c oxidase activation, increased ATP production, modulation of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators, and enhanced wound healing. However, studies show heterogeneity in treatment parameters, timing, sessions, comparators, and outcome assessment. Evidence specifically addressing Bioptron in this indication remains sparse. Conclusions. Photobiomodulation appears safe and potentially useful after third molar surgery, but evidence supporting Bioptron polarized light remains insufficient. Randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols, sham controls, adequate sample sizes, and validated outcomes are needed.