Effect of 808 nm Semiconductor Laser on the Stability of Orthodontic Micro-Implants: A Split-Mouth Study

Background: To evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) on orthodontic micro-implants (n = 44; 14 women, 8 men). Methods: PBM with 808 nm diode laser was applied immediately, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 30 days post the implantation. Results were assessed within same time frames and additionally after 60 days to check for implants stability using the Periotest device. Patients pain experiences following the first day post-treatment and potential loss of micro-implants after 60 days were recorded. The procedure involved insertion of mini-implants in the maxilla for the laser group (L, n = 22) and negative control group (C, n = 22). Irradiation was carried buccally and palatally with respect to the maxillary ridge (2 points). The energy per point was 4 J (8 J/cm(2)), total dose was 56 J. Results: Patients did not report significant differences in terms of pain experiences comparing the L and C groups (p = 0.499). At 30 days post-treatment, higher secondary stability of implants was observed in the laser group (Periotest Test Value, PTV 6.32 ± 3.62), in contrast to the controls (PTV 11.34 ± 5.76) (p = 0.004). At 60 days post-treatment, significantly higher stability was recorded in the laser group (PTV 6.55 ± 4.66) compared with the controls, PTV (10.95 ± 4.77) (p = 0.009). Conclusions: Application of the 808 nm diode laser increased secondary micro-implant stability.