Acupuncture

Few dentists use acupuncture and, unless trained, should avoid it. However, the therapeutic laser seems to produce effects similar to those of acupuncture needles, with some safe points to use. For example, P6 (Neiguan) on the wrist is an excellent point to reduce nausea and vomiting.The location of this point is 2.5 cm up from the wrist and 0.5 to 1.0 cm deep. The point is between two tendons. Delivery of 3 to 4 J to this point often allows a more relaxed environment for taking impressions or working in the molar area, especially in patients with a heightened gag reflex. Another easily accessible point is the Li4 (Hegu), a pain-reducing point located in the middle of the second metacarpal bone on the radial side .

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has confirmed the similarity between needles and lasers on the same acupuncture point. However, understanding this phenomenon becomes more difficult because there is no “qi” effect with the laser. The “gate control” theory would not explain the effects because there is no pain stimulus in the acupuncture point when using a laser.