The Effect of Low-Intensity Laser Therapy on Bone Healing Around Titanium Implants: A Histometric Study in Rabbits

Purpose: This study aimed to histometrically evaluate the influence of low-intensity laser treatment on bone healing around titanium implants placed in rabbit tibiae. Materials and Methods: Each tibia of 12 adult rabbits received a 3.3 X 6-mm titanium implant. The implants placed in the right tibiae were irradiated with a gallium-aluminum-arsenide diode low-intensity laser every 48 hours for 14 days postoperatively, and the left tibiae were not irradiated. After 3 or 6 weeks, the animals were sacrificed (six animals per period), and nondecalcified sections were obtained and analyzed for bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone area within the implant threads. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test. Results: BIC was significantly increased in the laser-treated group at both 3 weeks and 6 weeks. BIC did not increase significantly with time (3 weeks versus 6 weeks). Conversely, bone area within the threads was significantly increased with time (3 weeks versus 6 weeks), regardless of whether the laser was used. Considering bone area within the threads, no significant difference was found for treatment, eg, with or without laser. Conclusion: Low-intensity laser therapy did not affect the area of bone formed within the threads, but it may improve BIC in rabbit tibiae. Schlagwörter: bone healing, dental implants, low-intensity laser therapy