Low-level laser efficiency in reparation of bone defects

Abstract

Introduction/Objective. Bone resorption is a common problem in dentistry, and bone reparation cannot be easily achieved. Several techniques of bone grafting and the use of low-level laser treatment (LLLT) as a new therapeutic optional recommended for improving bone repair were applied. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of LLLT in bone repair of artificially made bone defects in the rat mandible using histomorphometry. Methods. The research was carried out on 60 female rats. Bone defects were made in the mandible, and animals were divided into two groups, each containing 30 animals. In the study group, the implantation site was submitted to GaAlAs laser irradiation 670nm, 5 mW, 4 min/per day for 5 days. The control group had no postoperative treatment. Animals were sacrificed after two, six, and eight weeks post LLLT, and preparations were analysed by histomorphometry, determining bone area fraction, bone area, integral density, mean density, and density variation. Results. Histomorphometric analysis revealed statistically higher values of area fraction, area, and integral density in the study group after two and six weeks. However, no beneficial laser effect was noticed after eight weeks. Conclusion. Low-level lasers have a stimulating effect on reparatory mechanisms in the early regeneration stage of artificially made bone defects in the rat mandible and can be used as a useful helping method in bone treatment.