Effect of IR laser photobiomodulation on the repair of bone defects grafted with organic bovine bone

A major problem on modern dentistry is the recovery of bone defects of different etiologies. Biomaterials are used to improve the repair of these defects. Previous studies have shown positive effects of Laser Photobiomodulation (LPBM) on the repair of both soft and bone tissues. This study assessed histologically the effect of LPBM on the repair of surgical defects on the femur of rats filled with lyophilized bovine bone. The animals were divided into three groups: group I (control); group II (graft); group III (graft + LPBM). The animals on the irradiated groups received 16 J/cm² per session divided into four points around the defect being the first irradiation immediately after surgery and repeated at every 48 h during 2 weeks. Animal death occurred 15, 21, and 30 days after surgery. The specimens were routinely processed and stained with H/E and Sirius red and analyzed by light microscopy. There was histological evidence of improved collagen fiber deposition at early stages of the healing; increased amount of well-organized bone trabeculae at the end of the experimental period on irradiated animals. It is concluded that LPBM has positive biomodulative effect on the healing process bone defects.