The aim of this study was to compare and contrast the influence of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the osseointegration of delayed and delayed-immediate dental implants. Forty implants were installed in the maxillary premolar regions of forty male subjects of age ranged 40-45 years old. Subjects were then randomly divided into four groups (I, II, III, and IV), delayed implant control group, delayed implant laser group, delayed-immediate implant control group, and delayed-immediate implant control group. Following implant insertion, the healing phase of groups (I and III) was left to progress spontaneously. Groups (II and IV) were subjected to low intensity (gallium arsenide diode) laser application with wavelength of 904 nm, an output power of 30 mWatts, and a frequency of 9999 Hz for 3 minutes in three sessions on three alternative days starting from the tenth post-operative day. A six month follow up period was applied radiographically to all subjects of both groups using sequential conventional radiographs. Radiographs were digitized by a professional scanner and bone density was recorded. The results revealed that low intensity laser therapy (LLLT) provided an easy as well as efficient method for accelerating bone healing and improving osseointegration whatever the technique used for implant insertion. The study concluded that laser could be used as additional aid for improving osseointgration and increasing the success rate for implantation protocols.
Keywords: Laser, LLLT, Osseointegration, Dental Implant.