Low-level laser therapy for implants without initial stability.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of low-level infrared laser on removal torque values of implants with poor initial stability inserted in rabbit tibias. BACKGROUND DATA: It is important to analyze the effects of laser radiation on bone repair when low-quality bone and implants with poor initial stability are used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty male white New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) about 2 mo old and weighing 1.5-2.0 kg were used. Machined implants with poor initial stability were inserted in the tibia of each animal. Animals were randomly divided into two groups: laser irradiated and laser nonirradiated. Each group was further divided into three subgroups, according to the day the animals were killed: 15, 30, or 45 d. Torque values were measured with an axial digital torquemeter that applied counter-torque. The Student's t-test was used to calculate means and standard deviations for the comparisons between laser and control groups. RESULTS: A significant increase (p = 0.050) in removal torque values was found in the group of laser-irradiated implants at 15 and 30 d when compared with the control groups. At 45 d, no significant differences were found. CONCLUSION: In this study, low-level laser therapy promoted the osseointegration of implants with poor initial stability, particularly in the initial stages of bone healing.