Effect of photobiomodulation therapy as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in a rat model of ligature-induced periodontitis: a histological and radiographic study.

Abstract

This study aimed to histologically and radiographically evaluate the effectiveness of low-intensity laser irradiation of different wavelengths (660 or 808&#xa0;nm) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of experimental periodontitis in rats. Periodontitis was induced by placing a ligature around the mandibular first molar of the rats. In total, 40 Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;8 each): control (CG), periodontal disease (PD), scaling and root planing (SRP), SRP&#x2009;+&#x2009;660&#xa0;nm laser (GL660) and SRP&#x2009;+&#x2009;808&#xa0;nm laser (GL808). Groups with laser use received radiation at 6 points in the first molar. The animals were euthanized at baseline and at 7 and 14&#xa0;days after the interventions. Mandibles were surgically removed for histomorphometric and radiographic assessment of periodontal tissues. The GL660 group showed lesser bone loss than the PD group (P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05) and greater alveolar bone margin after 14&#xa0;days, indicating a better long-term treatment response (P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). These findings suggest that SRP with the 660&#xa0;nm laser as an adjunct results in more favorable radiographic and histological responses than the 808&#xa0;nm laser.