Different purposes
A light-based supportive treatment and a soft-tissue release are different procedures. Our office’s red-light wand should not be confused with the CO₂ LightScalpel® used for selected soft-tissue procedures.
Photobiomodulation & Red-Light Therapy in Albuquerque
You may have seen the red-light wand in our office. That treatment is called photobiomodulation. Dr. Billie Adams offers it as part of selected dental care plans.
What Is Photobiomodulation in Dentistry?
Photobiomodulation, often shortened to PBM, uses low-level light applied to a selected treatment area. In our office, you may hear it called red-light laser therapy.
Dr. Adams has shared that the practice uses PBM in TMJ and selected infant care. During an evaluation, ask how it fits your specific treatment, what the intended goals are, and what alternatives are available.
The recommendation depends on your needs and the procedure being considered. Your appointment is an opportunity to understand the plan before deciding on treatment.
See Red-Light Therapy at Our Albuquerque Office
Planning Your Photobiomodulation Visit
- 01
Talk about your care
Share your symptoms, health history, and the procedure you are considering.
- 02
Understand the recommendation
Ask why PBM is being considered, the expected benefits and limitations, and any alternatives.
- 03
Know the next steps
Discuss visit length, fees, the number of sessions, and follow-up with the team.
Red-Light Therapy for TMJ: Where Does It Fit?
Jaw discomfort can involve the jaw joints, chewing muscles, or another dental or medical condition. An evaluation helps identify the concern before a treatment is selected. “TMJ” refers to the joint; “TMD” describes a group of jaw joint and muscle disorders.
Photobiomodulation has been studied for TMD-related pain. A placebo-controlled clinical trial reported improvement with a particular laser protocol, but one study does not establish the result you will experience. The device, treatment settings, diagnosis, and overall plan matter.
At Peak Family Dentistry, start with our TMJ evaluation and treatment information. If Dr. Adams recommends PBM, ask what problem it is intended to address, how progress will be assessed, and whether other conservative care is also appropriate. Red-light therapy does not replace the evaluation of persistent jaw pain.
What Happens During a Red-Light Therapy Appointment?
The short video on this page shows a handheld wand being directed at a treatment area. Your own appointment may differ from the example. The team can explain the recommended area, positioning, protective eyewear, and how the visit fits with any other planned care.
Before treatment, share your health history, medications, previous reactions, and questions. Ask what sensations to expect with the specific device being used. Tell the clinician about any discomfort during the appointment so the team can respond.
There is no single session length or schedule that applies to every dental use of PBM. Confirm the anticipated appointment length, number of visits, and fees before beginning. If you are asking about care for a baby, let the office know the baby’s age and the reason for the visit when you call.
PBM, Dental Lasers & Your Treatment Goals
Individual goals
Ask which symptom or treatment goal is being addressed. Discuss what improvement would look like and when the recommendation should be reassessed.
Clear follow-up
Confirm any instructions after your visit, whether another appointment is needed, and how to contact the team with concerns. Results and recommendations vary by patient.
For families considering an infant visit, our infant tongue-tie evaluation guide explains how feeding concerns and treatment decisions are considered separately.
Common Questions
Is red-light therapy the same as a frenectomy?
No. Photobiomodulation applies low-level light to a selected area. A frenectomy releases restrictive tissue. The intended purpose and equipment differ; ask Dr. Adams to explain any proposed procedure.
Can red-light therapy be used for TMJ pain?
Dr. Adams has described PBM as part of the practice’s TMJ care. Whether it is appropriate depends on the evaluation and treatment goal. It is not a guaranteed cure or a substitute for diagnosing jaw pain.
What does photobiomodulation feel like?
Ask the team what to expect with the specific device and treatment area in your plan. Tell the clinician about any uncomfortable sensation during the visit.
How many red-light therapy sessions will I need?
The schedule depends on the reason for treatment and your clinician’s recommendation. Ask for the expected number of visits and how the response will be reviewed.
Is PBM offered for infants?
Dr. Adams has described PBM in selected infant care. An individual evaluation and an explanation of its purpose are needed. It does not replace a pediatric or feeding assessment.
How much does red-light therapy cost in Albuquerque?
Contact Peak Family Dentistry for a written estimate based on your care plan. Confirm whether PBM is included in another procedure or has a separate fee, and ask about any applicable coverage.
Further Reading
For more background, explore NIH: understanding temporomandibular disorders, Clinical trial of PBM for TMD-related pain.