Impact of photobiomodulation on the osseointegration around dental implants in fresh extraction socket: a 1-year split-mouth clinical trial

Abstract

BackgroundLow-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a noninvasive technique that stimulates osteoblastic activity and enhances tissue healing. The goal of this trial was to assess the efficacy of LLLT on the osseointegration of implants placed on fresh extraction sockets.Patients and methodsA 1-year split-mouth controlled clinical study was conducted on 40 dental implants inserted immediately in 20 patients. Implants were randomly divided into two groups. Eight sessions of LLLT (a 660 nm aluminum gallium indium phosphide) were used to irradiate the test group implants during the first 2 weeks. A similar process was done for the control group implants using a laser headpiece that was adjusted in 'off' mode. Osseointegration was assessed by recording implant stability in addition to clinical and radiographical evaluations.ResultsThe statistical tests showed that there were no significant differences in the mean values of the primary outcome (implant stability measured by Periotest) between the test and control implants over time. Besides, no significant differences were observed between the study groups regarding the secondary outcomes which include marginal bone loss, probing depth, gingival index, modified plaque index, bleeding index, and pain on visual analog scale.ConclusionLLLT using a 660 nm aluminum gallium indium phosphide laser during the first 2 weeks following the immediate implantation in posterior mandible regions expressed no statistically significant impact on the osseointegration.