title: Low-level laser therapy supported surgical treatment of bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of jaws: a retrospective analysis of 11 cases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to evaluate and report on low-level laser therapy (LLLT) supported medical-surgical treatment outcomes of 11 patients with bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) lesions.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  BRONJ is a severe clinical condition, which adversely affects patients' lives. Even though various treatment modalities have been proposed, the ideal approach still remains to be debated. LLLT stands out among supportive approaches because of its favorable effects on tissue healing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eleven patients diagnosed with Stage II or III lesions (American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons [AAOMS] classification) were included in the study. All patients received LLLT applications during the postoperative period in addition to medical and surgical treatment. Laser applications covering the entirety of the surgical site were performed with GaAlAs diode laser with the following parameters: 808 nm wavelength, 0.5 W power, continuous wave, noncontact mode at 0.5-1 cm distance from the oral mucosa, spot size 0.28 cm(2) (R=6 mm), for 3 sec per point (10 sec per cm(2)), and energy density of 5 J/cm(2) (energy per point,1.4 J).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Elimination of previously recorded symptoms and a stable mucosal closure was achieved in all patients. Primary healing was achieved in seven patients and secondary healing course was observed in four patients. Permanence of obtained positive outcomes was noted in follow-up periods.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Treatment of advanced BRONJ lesions with a combination of antibiotic therapy, surgical removal of the lesion, and consecutive low-level diode laser applications provided favorable results in all patients. In consideration of our findings, it can be assumed that LLLT may serve as a safe and effective adjunct to medical-surgical treatment of BRONJ lesions.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Akdeniz University , Antalya, Turkey .
authors.forename: Mehmet Ali
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Altay
authors.forename: Ferda
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tasar
authors.forename: Emre
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tosun
authors.forename: Bahadir
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D059266:Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014945:Wound Healing