Low-level laser therapy for implants without initial stability.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the effect of low-level infrared laser on removal torque values of implants with poor initial stability inserted in rabbit tibias.


BACKGROUND
It is important to analyze the effects of laser radiation on bone repair when low-quality bone and implants with poor initial stability are used.


METHODS
Thirty male white New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) about 2 mo old and weighing 1.5-2.0 kg were used. Machined implants with poor initial stability were inserted in the tibia of each animal. Animals were randomly divided into two groups: laser irradiated and laser nonirradiated. Each group was further divided into three subgroups, according to the day the animals were killed: 15, 30, or 45 d. Torque values were measured with an axial digital torquemeter that applied counter-torque. The Student's t-test was used to calculate means and standard deviations for the comparisons between laser and control groups.


RESULTS
A significant increase (p = 0.050) in removal torque values was found in the group of laser-irradiated implants at 15 and 30 d when compared with the control groups. At 45 d, no significant differences were found.


CONCLUSIONS
In this study, low-level laser therapy promoted the osseointegration of implants with poor initial stability, particularly in the initial stages of bone healing.
School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Bruno Pereira
BP
Campanha
Clóvis
C
Gallina
Tomás
T
Geremia
Raphael Carlos Drumond
RC
Loro
Renato
R
Valiati
Roberto
R
Hübler
Marília Gerhardt
MG
de Oliveira
D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000528:radiation effects; D045662:Dental Etching; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D020878:Device Removal; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods; D016348:Osseointegration / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011817:Rabbits; D013499:Surface Properties; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors; D014025:Titanium; D019415:Torque
D014025:Titanium