The effect of low-intensity laser therapy on bone healing around titanium implants: a histometric study in rabbits.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to histometrically evaluate the influence of low-intensity laser treatment on bone healing around titanium implants placed in rabbit tibiae.


METHODS
Each tibia of 12 adult rabbits received a 3.3 x 6-mm titanium implant. The implants placed in the right tibiae were irradiated with a gallium-aluminum-arsenide diode low-intensity laser every 48 hours for 14 days postoperatively, and the left tibiae were not irradiated. After 3 or 6 weeks, the animals were sacrificed (six animals per period), and nondecalcified sections were obtained and analyzed for bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone area within the implant threads. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test.


RESULTS
BIC was significantly increased in the laser-treated group at both 3 weeks and 6 weeks. BIC did not increase significantly with time (3 weeks versus 6 weeks). Conversely, bone area within the threads was significantly increased with time (3 weeks versus 6 weeks), regardless of whether the laser was used. Considering bone area within the threads, no significant difference was found for treatment, eg, with or without laser.


CONCLUSIONS
Low-intensity laser therapy did not affect the area of bone formed within the threads, but it may improve BIC in rabbit tibiae.
Pereira
Cecília Luiz
CL
Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Piracicaba Dental School, Campinas State University, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
Sallum
Enilson Antônio
EA
Nociti
Fancisco Humberto
FH
Moreira
Roger William Fernandes
RW