Influence of low‐level laser therapy on implant stability in implants placed in fresh extraction sockets: A randomized clinical trial

Background Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been suggested to improve primary stability at the early stages of osseointegration in animal models. However, there is still scarce evidence about its influence on implant stability in humans. Purpose To assess the influence of LLLT on implant stability in implants placed in fresh extraction sockets. Material and methods A randomized controlled trial was designed according to the SPIRIT guidelines and is reported following the CONSORT. Patients were randomly allocated according to control or LLLT groups. LLLT consisted in the application of GaAlAs laser (808 nm, avg. power density: 50 mW, circular spot diameter and area: 0.71 cm/0.4cm2 ) applied in six points in contact mode with peri-implant soft tissue (1.23 minutes in each point of application; dose per point 11 J) before bone perforation and after suturing. The total dose resulted in 66 J per application moment. This LLLT protocol was applied only in the dental implant placement session. Implant stability was by ISQ at implant placement (T0 ) and the abutment selection (Ta ). Digital radiographs for T0 and Ta were used to assess the distance between the implant platform and alveolar bone crest, in millimeters. T-test and Shapiro-Wilk test were used to analyze data between groups using the implant as a unit of analysis. Results Fifty implants were placed in 44 patients. The insertion torque ranged from 15 to 60 N.cm (mean 35.64 ± 13.34). Two implants of the LLLT and one of the control groups were lost to follow-up and one implant of the control group failed to osseointegrate (4.3%). ISQ at T0 ranged from 17 to 79 (mean 59.33 ± 13.05) and from 40 to 89 (mean 66.46 SD ± 11.56) at Ta . No differences were observed when comparing the groups with ISQ difference (P = .433) or radiographical peri-implant alterations (P = .261). Conclusions LLLT did not influence implant stability in implants placed in fresh extraction sockets when assessed at healing abutment installation.