Photobiomodulation Therapy in Asheville, NC

At Chestnut Family Dentistry, our dentists are proud to offer photobiomodulation therapy in Asheville, North Carolina as part of our commitment to advanced, patient-focused dental care. Also known as PBM therapy, PBMT, or low-level laser therapy, this treatment uses gentle light energy to support healing, reduce inflammation, relieve discomfort, and promote tissue recovery. If you are looking for a modern, noninvasive option for oral pain, soft tissue healing, or laser-supported dental care, call 828-255-0936 to schedule your consultation.

Photobiomodulation therapy is one of the technologies that helps set our office apart. Dr. Wendy Willoughby uses PBM as part of a broader approach to improving comfort, supporting recovery, and helping patients manage certain oral and facial conditions more conservatively. Because it is gentle and noninvasive, PBM can be a helpful option for patients seeking relief without more aggressive treatment when appropriate.

What Is Photobiomodulation Therapy?

Photobiomodulation therapy is a scientifically supported light therapy that uses non-ionizing light sources, including visible and infrared wavelengths, to stimulate cellular activity. This process can help improve circulation, support tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and encourage healing. PBM is sometimes called low-level laser therapy because it uses light energy at lower levels than surgical lasers.

In dentistry, photobiomodulation therapy is used to support healing and comfort in a range of oral and facial conditions. It may help reduce discomfort, calm irritated tissues, and improve recovery after certain dental procedures or during treatment of chronic oral concerns.

How PBM Therapy Works

Photobiomodulation works by delivering carefully controlled light energy to targeted tissues. This light energy stimulates the cells and encourages increased cellular metabolism, which can support repair and regeneration. In simple terms, PBM helps the body respond more efficiently in areas where healing and inflammation control are needed.

Because PBM therapy is gentle and noninvasive, many patients are interested in it as an option for oral soft tissue support, pain relief, and recovery. It is designed to work with the body’s natural healing response rather than relying on cutting or invasive intervention.

Conditions Photobiomodulation Therapy May Help Treat

At Chestnut Family Dentistry, Dr. Wendy Willoughby may use photobiomodulation therapy to help address a variety of oral and facial concerns. These may include:

• Oral lesions
• Recurring cold sores
• Recurring canker sores
• Dry mouth
• Pemphigus vulgaris
• Burning mouth syndrome
• Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BIONJ)
• Facial pain, including trigeminal neuralgia
• Facial nerve paralysis
• Geographic tongue
• Chronic sinus inflammation
• Ulcers and irritated soft tissues

Because every patient is different, treatment recommendations will depend on your symptoms, diagnosis, and overall oral health needs.

PBM Therapy for Oral Pain and Inflammation

One of the main reasons patients seek photobiomodulation therapy is to relieve oral pain and inflammation. PBM therapy may be recommended to help calm inflamed tissues, reduce soreness, and support a more comfortable recovery. This can be especially helpful for patients dealing with recurring ulcers, irritated oral tissues, or painful soft tissue conditions.

Photobiomodulation is also used to help patients who experience discomfort in the jaw, facial muscles, or oral tissues. If you have difficulty opening your mouth widely or experience soreness around the mouth and jaw, our team can evaluate whether PBM may be a helpful part of your treatment plan.

Photobiomodulation Therapy for Cold Sores and Canker Sores

PBM therapy may also be used for recurring cold sores and canker sores. These conditions can be painful, disruptive, and frustrating for patients who experience them often. By supporting the tissues and helping reduce inflammation, PBM may help improve comfort and promote healing.

If you are looking for laser treatment for cold sores in Asheville, North Carolina, our team can discuss whether photobiomodulation therapy may be appropriate for your needs.

PBM Therapy and Periodontal Care

At Chestnut Family Dentistry, photobiomodulation therapy may also be used as part of periodontal care. PBM can support comfort and healing during treatment for gum concerns and may be used to help reduce inflammation in the tissues. Because gum health is such an important part of overall oral health, our office focuses on modern, prevention-based approaches whenever possible.

If you are receiving care for gum disease or other soft tissue concerns, PBM may be recommended as part of your treatment plan along with other services such as gum disease treatment.

Benefits of Photobiomodulation Therapy

Photobiomodulation therapy offers several potential benefits for patients who need support for healing, comfort, and oral tissue health. These may include:

• Noninvasive treatment
• Reduced inflammation
• Support for tissue repair and healing
• Relief of oral discomfort
• Improved recovery after certain dental concerns or procedures
• A gentle alternative or complement to more traditional approaches

Because PBM is designed to work with the body’s natural healing response, many patients appreciate it as a conservative and technology-driven treatment option.

Why Patients Choose Chestnut Family Dentistry for PBM Therapy

At Chestnut Family Dentistry, photobiomodulation therapy is part of our larger commitment to advanced technology and individualized care. Dr. Wendy Willoughby earned her Bachelor of Science degree, Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, and postgraduate Advanced General Dentistry training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has been practicing since 1987 and has completed extensive training in modern dental technology, including laser dentistry, CEREC, Guided Biofilm Therapy, NightLase, and PBM Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Red Light Therapy).

Dr. Teresa Bare also brings decades of clinical experience, a hospital-based general practice residency, and more than 1,450 hours of continuing education focused on comprehensive patient care. Together, our doctors emphasize prevention, comfort, technology, and thoughtful treatment planning tailored to each patient.

Photobiomodulation Therapy FAQs

What is photobiomodulation therapy?

Photobiomodulation therapy is a noninvasive light therapy that uses visible and infrared light energy to support healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve discomfort in targeted tissues.

Is PBM the same as low-level laser therapy?

Yes. Photobiomodulation therapy is often referred to as low-level laser therapy because it uses lower levels of light energy to stimulate healing and tissue response.

What can PBM therapy help treat?

PBM may be used for a variety of oral and facial concerns, including oral lesions, cold sores, canker sores, dry mouth, burning mouth syndrome, facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia, ulcers, and certain inflammatory conditions.

Is photobiomodulation therapy painful?

PBM therapy is designed to be gentle and noninvasive. Most patients tolerate treatment very well.

Can PBM therapy help with healing after dental treatment?

Yes. One of the goals of photobiomodulation therapy is to support healing and recovery by reducing inflammation and encouraging tissue repair.

Where can I get photobiomodulation therapy in Asheville, North Carolina?

Chestnut Family Dentistry offers photobiomodulation therapy in Asheville, North Carolina. Call 828-255-0936 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wendy Willoughby or Dr. Teresa Bare.

Schedule Your Consultation for Photobiomodulation Therapy in Asheville, North Carolina

If you are interested in learning more about photobiomodulation therapy in Asheville, North Carolina, or want to find out whether PBM therapy may help address your symptoms, we invite you to contact our office. Our team will be happy to answer your questions and review your treatment options.

Call Chestnut Family Dentistry at 828-255-0936 today to schedule your consultation with our experienced dentists and learn more about photobiomodulation therapy in Asheville, North Carolina.