Light microscopic description of the effects of laser phototherapy on bone defects grafted with mineral trioxide aggregate, bone morphogenetic proteins, and guided bone regeneration in a rodent model.

We carried out a histological analysis on bone defects grafted with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) treated or not with laser, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), and guided bone regeneration (GBR). Benefits of the use of MTA, laser, BMPs, and GBR on bone repair are well known, but there is no report on their association with laser light. Ninety rats were divided into 10 groups each subdivided into 3. Defects on G II and I were filled with the blood clot. G II was further irradiated with LED. G III and IV were filled with MTA; G IV was further irradiated with laser. G V and VI, the defects filled with MTA and covered with a membrane (GBR). G VI was further irradiated with laser. G VII and VIII, BMPs were added to the MTA and group VIII further irradiated with laser. G IX and X, the MTA + BMP graft was covered with a membrane (GBR). G X was further irradiated with laser. Laser light (λ = 850 nm, 150 mW, 4 J/cm(2) ) was applied over the defect at 48-h intervals and repeated for 15 days. Specimens were processed, cut and stained with H&E and Sirius red and underwent histological analysis. Subjects on group X were irradiated. The results showed different tissue response on all groups during the experimental time. Major changes were seen on irradiated subjects and included marked deposition of new bone in advanced maturation. It is concluded that near infrared laser phototherapy improved the results of the use of the MTA on bone defects.

Influence of laser phototherapy (λ660 nm) on the outcome of oral chemical carcinogenesis on the hamster cheek pouch model: histological study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate, histologically, the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) (λ660 nm) on DMBA chemically induced lesions of the oral mucosa of hamsters. BACKGROUND DATA: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common neoplasm of the oral cavity. It is aggressive, highly proliferative, invasive, and metastatic. There is evidence that LLLT similarly affects neoplasic and non-neoplasic cells. METHODS: Cancerous lesions were induced on the cheek pouch of 15 golden Syrian hamsters by using DMBA 3 times a week for 8 weeks. At the end of the cancer induction (8 weeks), animals in G1 were killed and the presence of tumors confirmed. Animals in G3 were irradiated (λ660 nm, 30 mW, CW, Ø=3 mm, area: 0.07 cm(2), 424 mW/cm(2), 133 sec, 56.4(2)J/ cm(2), 4J) at every other day for 4 weeks. G2 received no interventions for the same period. Samples were taken and underwent histological analysis by light microscopy. RESULTS: GI showed 100% well-differentiated SCC. G2 showed 20% moderately differentiated and 80% well-differentiated SCC. G3 showed 40% well-differentiated, 40% poorly differentiated, and 20% moderately differentiated SCC. Significant differences (p=0.02) in the amount of well-differentiated SCC were seen between G1 and G3 and between G3 and G2 (p=0.04). Significant difference was also seen between G3 and G1 and G2 with regard to the amount of poorly differentiated tumors (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that LLLT, within the parameters used in the present study, caused a significant progression of the severity of SCC in the oral cavity of hamsters.

Effects of laser photherapy on bone defects grafted with mineral trioxide aggregate, bone morphogenetic proteins, and guided bone regeneration: a Raman spectroscopic study.

We have used Raman analysis to assess bone healing on different models. Benefits on the isolated or combined use of mineral trioxide aggregate, bone morphogenetic proteins, guided bone regeneration and laser on bone repair have been reported, but not their combination. We studied peaks of hydroxyapatite and CH groups on defects grafted with MTA, treated or not with laser, BMPs, and GBR. Ninety rats were divided in 10 groups each, subdivided into three subgroups. Laser (λ850 nm) was applied at every other day for 2 weeks. Raman readings were taken at the surface of the defect. Statistical analysis (CHA) showed significant differences between all groups (p = 0.001) and between Group II and all other (p < 0.001), but not with Group X (p = 0.09). At day 21 differences were seen between all groups (p = 0.031) and between Groups VIII and X when compared with Groups VI (p = 0.03), V (p < 0.001), IV (p < 0.001), and IX (p = 0.04). At the end of the experimental period no significant differences were seen. On regards CH, significant differences were seen at the 15(th) day (p = 0.002) and between Group II and all other groups (p < 0.0001) but not with control. Advanced maturation on irradiated bone is because of increased secretion of calcium hydroxyapatite (CHA) that is indicative of greater calcification and resistance of the bone. We conclude that the association of the MTA with laser phototherapy (LPT) and/or not with GBR resulted in a better bone repair. The use of the MTA associated to IR LPT resulted in a more advanced and quality bone repair.

A feasible procedure in dental practice: the treatment of oral dysplastic hyperkeratotic lesions of the oral cavity with the CO2 laser.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work is to report some cases of surgical removal of hyperkeratotic lesions of the oral cavity with the CO(2) laser. BACKGROUND: Hyperkeratosis is an abnormal thickening of the stratum corneum caused by increased deposition of keratin, and its histopathologic features show wide variations. These changes are significant because they determine different biologic behavior. Several techniques are used to treat these lesions, including scalpel incision, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, photodynamic therapy, and some drugs. The use of surgical lasers has been proposed as an effective way of treating such lesions safely. The CO(2) laser is the most used laser on the oral cavity because of its affinity for water and high absorption by the oral mucosa. Several benefits of the use of the CO(2) laser are reported in the literature in regard to surgical procedures carried out on the oral cavity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients had histopathologic diagnosis of hyperkeratosis and mild epithelial dysplasia and were routinely prepared for surgery under local anesthesia. The surgical procedures were carried out by using a CO(2) laser (Sharplan 20 C; Laser Industries, Tel Aviv, Israel, λ10,600 nm, φ∼2 mm, CW/RSP). The beam was focused to delimit each lesion, and then lesions were excised, and the removed specimens were sent for histopathology. At the end of the surgery, the beam was used in a defocused manner to promote better hemostasis. Neither sutures nor dressings were used after the surgery. No medication but mouthwashes was prescribed to all patients in the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the CO(2) laser does not reduce the risk of relapses of the lesion, but it is an easy-to-use technique and results in both a quick surgical procedure and trouble-free postoperative period and may be safely used in dental practice.