Laser dental treatment for dogs and cats

A safe, drug-free way to relieve oral pain and swelling, laser therapy speeds healing for dogs and cats after dental cleanings, extractions, or surgery.

Just like us, dogs and cats can get sore gums, tooth infections, and other dental problems causing pain and inflammation. Modern veterinary medicine offers a gentle, drug-free way to help with these issues — laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM). Read on to learn more about laser dental treatment for dogs and cats. 

What is laser (PBM) therapy?

Laser therapy uses safe, concentrated near-infrared light energy. It helps the body’s cells repair themselves and reduces inflammation and pain. 

Applying this light inside the mouth improves blood flow and oxygenation to inflamed or damaged tissues and reduces swelling and pain. It also helps tissues repair themselves after dental cleanings, tooth extractions, or oral surgery. Additionally, it boosts cellular energy and accelerates healing.

Flag it: Laser light energy works a lot like sunshine helping a plant grow through photosynthesis. It gives cells the energy they need to repair and rebuild. They often can’t do this on their own because they may not be functioning optimally due to infection, aging, etc.

Using PBM after dental cleanings or extractions

After dental cleanings, which involve scaling and polishing, an animal’s gums can sometimes be sore. Studies in dogs show that even one laser treatment right after a cleaning can noticeably reduce redness and swelling. Other studies show that a single post-operative laser treatment can also provide good pain relief, and help a dog’s appetite return, after oral surgery. 

Studies in people following molar extraction showed that laser therapy reduced swelling, jaw spasm, and pain after the procedure. If your dog or cat has had teeth removed, especially due to infections or broken teeth, laser therapy can ease her pain and speed up recovery. 

In addition to post-dental pain relief, veterinarians often use laser therapy alongside other treatments to support conditions of the mouth, including gingivitis (gum inflammation) and stomatitis (painful inflammation of the mouth). They can also apply it to post-surgical sites after tooth extractions or fracture repair. Laser therapy can help oral ulcers or small slow-healing wounds, too. 

Flag it: Veterinarians can use PBM directly inside the animal’s mouth during or immediately after a dental procedure, while the dog or cat is under anesthesia. They can also perform laser therapy externally through the lips or jaw while the animal is awake. 

Most routine dental cleanings only require one laser therapy session. Many animals relax during PBM treatment, and some even seem to enjoy it because it eases discomfort. Your veterinarian may prescribe a few additional follow-up sessions.

This is especially the case if your dog or cat’s dental procedure was more extensive, or she had several teeth removed. Your vet may feel she could benefit from continued treatments to promote full healing.

If your animal has a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatments or medications (such as stomatitis in cats), your veterinarian may prescribe a long term laser therapy plan for pain management. This will help keep your dog or cat more comfortable when dealing with conditions that are more challenging to permanently resolve. 

Your veterinarian may schedule these treatments regularly to keep discomfort to a minimum — usually one session every two to four weeks after achieving initial pain relief.

How does laser therapy compare to medications in dental care?

Traditional pain control for dental and other conditions often relies on anti-inflammatory medications or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They work well, but not all animals may be able to take them due to sensitivities or other conditions like liver or kidney issues. 

Even in healthy dogs and cats, the best approach for optimal pain management is usually multimodal. This means combining PBM with medications, often at lower individual doses. This strategy helps reduce side effects, enhances overall pain management, and addresses all aspects of pain — from inflammation to chronic pain.

Because PBM works locally on tissues at the site of injury or disease, it avoids systemic side effects and precisely targets painful or inflamed areas. Many veterinarians use PBM as part of multimodal plans, combining laser light with surgery, careful dental care, medications, and local anesthetic blocks to ensure patient comfort. 

If your companion has dental problems or chronic oral inflammation, ask your veterinarian whether they offer laser dental treatment for dogs and cats. It may be the extra boost your animal companion needs to heal comfortably and quickly.

Is laser therapy safe for dogs and cats?

Laser therapy is safe and non-invasive when performed correctly. Your dog or cat (and everyone nearby) simply wears protective eyewear while the veterinarian applies the laser light. Most treatments last only a few minutes, and most animals return to normal eating and activity soon after. 

Laser therapy for dental care: key takeaways for dog and cat parents 

1. Laser therapy is light-powered healing for inflamed or injured tissues, including in the mouth.
2. This non-invasive treatment can reduce pain and speed recovery after dental procedures or for other inflammatory conditions. 
3. Most treatments only take a few minutes and can be combined with other treatments for the best results.

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