Raman spectroscopy validation of DIAGNOdent-assisted fluorescence readings on tibial fractures treated with laser phototherapy, BMPs, guided bone regeneration, and miniplates.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess through Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence the levels of calcium hydroxyapatite (CHA) and lipids and proteins in complete fractures treated with internal rigid fixation (IRF) treated or not with laser phototherapy (LPT) and associated or not with bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and guided bone regeneration (GBR). BACKGROUND: Fractures have different etiologies and treatments and may be associated with bone losses. LPT has been shown to improve bone healing. METHODS: Tibial fractures were created on 15 animals and divided into five groups. LPT started immediately after surgery, repeated at 48-h intervals. Animal death occurred after 30 days. RESULTS: Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence were performed at the surface. Fluorescence data of group IRF + LPT + Biomaterial showed similar readings to those of the group IRF-no bone loss. Significant differences were seen between groups IRF + LPT + Biomaterial and IRF + LPT; IRF + LPT + Biomaterial; and IRF + Biomaterial; and between IRF + LPT + Biomaterial and IRF. CH groups of lipids and proteins readings showed decreased levels of organic components in subjects treated with the association of LPT, biomaterial, and GBR. Pearson correlation showed that fluorescence readings of both CHA and CH groups of lipids and proteins correlated negatively with the Raman data. CONCLUSIONS: The use of both methods indicates that the use of the biomaterials associated with infrared LPT resulted in a more-advanced and higher quality of bone repair in fractures treated with miniplates and that the DIAGNOdent may be used to perform optical biopsy on bone.

Assessment of the effect of the use of laser light or dantrolene on facial muscle under occlusal wear: a Raman spectroscopic study in a rodent model.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to use Raman spectroscopy to measure levels of CaPi in muscles under occlusal wear and treated with laser phototherapy (LPT) or muscle-relaxant therapy or both on rodents. BACKGROUND: The etiology of temporomandibular disorders is multifactorial. Malocclusion may influence the masticatory muscles, causing fatigue. A major type of fatigue is the metabolic, caused by the increased accumulation of metabolites such as inorganic phosphate. Raman spectroscopy allows nondestructive analysis of the biochemical composition of tissues. METHODS: The 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: occlusal wear (G-1), occlusal wear + LPT (G-2), and occlusal wear + muscle relaxant (G-3). Ten untreated animals were used for baseline data. Under intraperitoneal general anesthesia, animals of groups 1, 2, and 3 had unilateral amputation of molar cusps to simulate an occlusal-wear situation. The masseter muscle of G-2 received LPT (lambda830 nm, 4 J/cm(2), 40 mW, phi approximately 2 mm) after the procedure and repeated every other day for 14-30 days. Animals of G-3 were treated with a daily injection of dantrolene (2.5 mg/kg in 0.5 ml of H(2)O) beginning 24 h after cusp removal. Animals were killed with an overdose of general anesthetics at days 14 and 30 after cusps removal, and the ipsilateral masseter muscle was excised and divided into two parts. One part was routinely processed and underwent histologic analysis; the other was kept in liquid nitrogen for Raman spectroscopy. The mean value of the intensity of the peak 958 per centimeter was determined. RESULTS: No morphologic changes were seen. Raman analysis showed significantly less Raman intensity in the laser group at 30 days (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Occlusal wear did not caused morphologic alterations in the masseter muscle but resulted in changes of the levels of CaP(i) that were less compromising when the laser light was used.

Infrared laser photobiomodulation (lambda 830 nm) on bone tissue around dental implants: a Raman spectroscopy and scanning electronic microscopy study in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess, through Raman spectroscopy, the incorporation of calcium hydroxyapatite (CHA; approximately 960 cm(1)), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the bone quality on the healing bone around dental implants after laser photobiomodulation (lambda830 nm). BACKGROUND DATA: Laser photobiomodulation has been successfully used to improve bone quality around dental implants, allowing early wearing of prostheses. METHODS: Fourteen rabbits received a titanium implant on the tibia; eight of them were irradiated with lambda830 nm laser (seven sessions at 48-h intervals, 21.5 J/cm(2) per point, 10 mW, phi approximately 0.0028 cm(2), 86 J per session), and six acted as control. The animals were sacrificed 15, 30, and 45 days after surgery. Specimens were routinely prepared for Raman spectroscopy and SEM. Eight readings were taken on the bone around the implant. RESULTS: The results showed significant differences on the concentration of CHA on irradiated and control specimens at both 30 and 45 days after surgery (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It is concluded that infrared laser photobiomodulation does improve bone healing, and this may be safely assessed by Raman spectroscopy or SEM.

Infrared laser light reduces loading time of dental implants: a Raman spectroscopic study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess, through near-infrared Raman spectroscopy (NIRS), the incorporation of hydroxyapatite of calcium (CHA; approximately 960 cm(1))--on the healing bone around dental implants submitted or not to low-level laser therapy (LLLT) (lambda830 nm). BACKGROUND DATA: The process of maturation of the bone is important for the success of dental implants, as it improves the fixation of the implant to the bone, allowing the wearing of a prosthesis. LLLT has been suggested as a mean of improving bone healing because of its biomodulatory capabilities. METHODS: Fourteen rabbits received a titanium implant on the tibia; eight of them were irradiated with lambda830-nm laser (seven sessions at 48-h intervals, 21.5 J/cm(2) per session, 10 mW, phi approximately 0.0028 cm(2), 85 J/cm(2) treatment dose), and six acted as control. The animals were sacrificed at 15, 30, and 45 days after surgery. Specimens were routinely prepared for Raman spectroscopy. Twelve readings were taken on the bone around the implant. RESULTS: The results showed significant differences in the concentration of CHA on irradiated and control specimens at both 30 and 45 days after surgery (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It is concluded that LLLT does improve bone healing, and this can be safely assessed by Raman spectroscopy.