Bone Formed After Maxillary Sinus Floor Augmentation by Bone Autografting With Hydroxyapatite and Low-Level Laser Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial With Histomorphometrical and Immunohistochemical Analyses.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone formed after maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA) by bone autografting combined with hydroxyapatite (HA) that had been either treated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or not. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve biopsies were obtained from patients 6 months after MSFA using a combination of 50% of autogenous bone (AB) and 50% of HA (AB/HA group, n = 6) followed by LLLT (AB/HA-LLLT group, n = 6). The laser used in this study was gallium-aluminium-arsenide laser with a wavelength of 830 nm (40 mW; 5.32 J/point; 0.57 W/cm). Samples obtained were subjected to histological, histometric, and immunohistochemical analysis for detection of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and runt-related transcription factor 2. The data were submitted to statistical analysis (Shapiro-Wilk and Student t tests; α = 5%). RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in vital bone presence and immunohistochemical analysis between the groups. There was no reduction in bone marrow or fibrous tissue in the AB/HA group and AB/HA-LLLT group. There was a decrease in the amount of remaining biomaterial between the groups (P = 0.0081). CONCLUSION: LLLT did not increase the formation of new bone; instead, it accelerated the bone remodeling process.

Homeopathic Symphytum officinale increases removal torque and radiographic bone density around titanium implants in rats.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the effect of Symphytum officinale in homeopathic potency (6cH), on the removal torque and radiographic bone density around titanium implants, inserted in rats tibiae. METHODS: Implants were placed in male rat tibiae, and the animals randomized to two groups (Control and S. officinale 6cH treated), which were evaluated at 7, 14, 28 and 56 days post-implantation. Radiographic bone density was measured at 6 points around the implant, using digital radiographic images, when implants were inserted and at sacrifice. Removal torque of the implants was also evaluated. RESULTS: Both removal torque and radiographic bone density evaluation showed that S. officinale 6cH treatment enhanced bone formation around the micro-implants, mainly at 14 days. At 56 days, the radiographic bone density was higher in the treated group. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that S. officinale 6cH enhances, principally at the early stages of osseointegration, bone formation around titanium implants in rats' tibiae, based on radiographic and mechanical analysis.

Influence of homeopathic treatment with comfrey on bone density around titanium implants: a digital subtraction radiography study in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of homeopathic treatment with comfrey (Shymphytum officinalis 6CH) on radiographic bone density and area around titanium implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eight rats were divided into two groups of 24 animals each: a control group (C) and a test group (SO). Each animal received one titanium micro-implant placed in the tibia. The animals in Group SO were subjected to 10 drops of comfrey 6CH per day mixed into their drinking water until the day of sacrifice. Eight animals of each group were sacrificed at 7, 14 and 28 days post-surgery, respectively. Standardized digital radiographs were obtained on the day of implant installation (baseline images) and on the day of sacrifice (final images). Digital subtraction of the two corresponding images was performed to evaluate changes in bone density and the area related to change around the implant between baseline and final images. RESULTS: Subtraction images demonstrated that a significant difference existed in mean shade of gray at 14 days post-surgery between Group SO (mean 175.3+/-14.4) and Group C (mean 146.2+/-5.2). Regarding the area in pixels corresponding to the bone gain in Group SO, the differences observed between the sacrifice periods and groups were only significant at 7 days sacrifice between Group SO (mean 171.2+/-21.9) and Group C (mean 64.5+/-60.4). CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, comfrey administration promotes an increase in radiographic bone density around titanium implants in the initial period of bone healing.