Effect of postoperative 660-nm low-level laser therapy on the radiographic crestal bone loss of fresh-socket dental implants.

Abstract

Although the benefits of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in soft tissue healing have been demonstrated, the effects of laser on bone have remained controversial. This study investigated the impact of postoperative 660-nm LLLT on the radiographic crestal bone loss of fresh-socket dental implants. Thirty patients referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for tooth extraction and placement of fresh-socket implants were selected and assigned to two groups: laser (intervention) and no-laser (control) groups. Immediately after tooth extraction, the implant was inserted into the tooth socket. 660-nm LLLT was immediately started after surgery and was repeated three times per week for two weeks. Bone quantification at the implant site was assessed using periapical intraoral radiographs and computerized software immediately after surgery and after six months. This study showed a statistically significant difference in mean bone resorption between the mesial and distal aspects of the two groups, with lower bone resorption in the laser group compared to the no-laser group. The results of this study suggest that LLLT can effectively reduce bone resorption in fresh-socket implant placement. This might indicate the positive effect of LLLT on bone resorption reduction.