Histological evaluation of the effect of low-level laser on distraction osteogenesis in rabbit mandibles.

Objectives: This study evaluated the action of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on the percentage of newly formed bone in rabbit mandibles that underwent distraction osteogenesis (DO).

Study Design: Ten rabbits underwent bone lengthening according to the following protocol: Latency - 3 days; Activation - 7 days 0.7 mm/d; and Consolidation - 10 days.

Effects of low-level laser therapy on bone formed after distraction osteogenesis.

This study evaluated the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the chemical composition, crystallinity and crystalline structure of bone at the site of distraction osteogenesis. Five rabbits were subjected to distraction osteogenesis (latency = 3 days; rate and frequency = 0.7 mm/day for 7 days; consolidation = 10 days), and three were given LLLT with arsenide-gallium-aluminum (AsGaAl; 830 nm, 40 mW): 10 J/cm(2) dose per spot, applied directly to the distraction osteogenesis site during the consolidation stage at 48 h intervals.