The effect of low-level laser therapy on delayed implant placement with early loading protocol

Abstract Background Different innovations in implant designs, materials, and technology are introduced to enhance osseointegration. Among these technologies, the use of low-level laser (LLL) has been suggested to accelerate osseointegration and bone-to-implant contact. Objective The purpose of the present study was to evaluate clinically the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on delayed implant placement with an early loading protocol. Patients and methods This study was conducted as a randomized clinical trial on twenty-four healed posterior sites in the mandible and divided into group I, which received dental implants with an early loading protocol at two months postsurgery, and group II receiving four sessions of LLLT were scheduled immediately after implant placement, third, seventh, and 14 th day postsurgery. Implant stability was measured using the Periotest device immediately after surgery for 2 months, and 1-year postsurgery. Healing index was assessed during the first three weeks. Results Upon comparing the median values of Periotest device of the two groups, there were no statistically significant differences at baseline, 2, and 12 months postimplant placement. Besides, no significant differences were observed between the study groups regarding the healing index. Conclusion Using LLLT during the first 2 weeks postsurgery in posterior mandible sites had no statistically significant impact on implant stability or healing index around dental implants.