BISPHOSPHONATE-ASSOCIATED OSTEONECROSIS OF THE JAW TREATMENT WITH LIGHT EMITTING DIODE IN RATS: PILOT STUDY

Abstract

<h3>Objectives</h3> To evaluate the microbiologic and tissue action of light emitting diodes (LEDs) in induced bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis in rats, comparing it with photodynamic therapy with a low-power laser. <h3>Study Design</h3> Ten rats were used, divided into the following groups: G1, animals treated with saline solution; G2, animals treated with antibiotic therapy; G3, animals treated for 14 days with application of a low-intensity laser (660 nm) and methylene blue; G4, animals treated with application of LEDs and methylene blue. Clinical, bacterial, tomographic, and microscopic analyses were performed. <h3>Results</h3> Clinically, rats from the laser and LED groups showed a more favorable result for bone exposure management and none of the rats had a local inflammatory process. In the bacterial and tomographic analyses, there was no statistical difference between the 4 groups after treatment. Microscopically, all mandibles had devitalized bone; however, group 4 had a greater amount of bone trabeculae than the other groups, as well as fewer average osteoclasts per area. <h3>Conclusions</h3> We conclude that all rats developed osteonecrosis; however, photodynamic therapy with LED did not show a statistical difference when compared to laser and control groups.