Evaluating the Effects of Low-level Laser Therapy and Platelet-rich Plasma on Bone Calcium Content and Mechanical Properties at Tooth Extraction Sites: An Animal Study

Abstract

Background: Both low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are demonstrated to promote the repair of mandibular defects. Objectives: This study investigated the mechanical properties and calcium content at the tooth extraction site in a rat model exposed to LLLT (λ = 808 nm) with or without PRP. Methods: In this experimental rat model study, the left first molar maxillary teeth were extracted in twenty male rats. Then, the animals were randomly divided into four groups. Group one: after extraction, the extraction sockets were treated with 0.9 W gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) diode laser irradiation for five minutes every 72 hours for the next 12 days (4 times overall); group two: PRP was placed in the extraction sockets; group three: a combination of both treatments (LLLT+PRP) was applied; group four: the extraction sockets remained untreated (the control group). All rats were sacrificed 30 days post-operative. All bone blocks of the extracted socket were prepared for mechanical strength and calcium content analyses. Mann-Whitney test, one-way ANOVA test, and post hoc Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) were used to analyze the data. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. All analyses were performed by SPSS 16.0. The graph is illustrated in the graph pad 5. Results: The compressive strength in the laser group was significantly higher than in the control and PRP-treated groups (P = 0.0001 and 0.00044, respectively). Compared to the control and PRP groups, the effects of a combination of PRP and LLLT mechanical strength were statistically similar. Calcium content was influenced by none of the treatments. Conclusions: The mechanical strength of the bone blocks was significantly stronger in the LLLT group than in the other groups. Platelet-rich plasma alone or combined with LLLT demonstrated a synergistic impact on neither mechanical strength nor calcium content.