Purpose <p>To undertake a comparative analysis of the efficacy of photobiomodulation and anti-inflammatory pharmacotherapy in the management of postoperative pain, oedema, and trismus following third molar extraction. The review also encompasses an assessment of their clinical applicability and safety.</p> Methodology <p>A literature review was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS. The included studies comprised randomised and controlled clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses published within the last decade. These studies evaluated photobiomodulation and anti-inflammatory drugs in third molar surgery, focusing on postoperative morbidity.</p> Results <p>Current evidence suggests that photobiomodulation may be an effective analgesic strategy, with results that are comparable to those of NSAIDs. Photobiomodulation also demonstrated benefits in terms of oedema and trismus, although these outcomes were reported with substantial heterogeneity, likely attributable to significant variations in the study protocol. Pharmacological approaches remain effective but carry potential systemic adverse effects. Photobiomodulation exhibited a superior safety profile and demonstrated the capacity to reduce medication usage.</p> Conclusion <p>Photobiomodulation has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective alternative or adjunct in third molar surgery. The necessity for further standardised clinical trials is evident in order to optimise protocols and strengthen evidence-based guidelines.</p>