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The effect of low-level laser therapy on orthodontically induced root resorption: a pilot double blind randomized
Doreen Ng1, Ambrose K Chan2, Alexandra K Papadopoulou1
1Discipline of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sydney, Sydney Dental Hospital, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Australia.
Background:
The effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on accelerating orthodontic tooth movement has been extensively studied; however, there is limited knowledge on the use of LLLT on orthodontic root resorption.
Objective:
To investigate the effect of LLLT on orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR) and to compare the difference between pulsed and continuous LLLT on OIIRR.
Trial Design:
Double-blind, single-centre 3-arm parallel split-mouth randomized controlled trial.
Participants:
Twenty adolescent patients who required bilateral maxillary first premolar (MFP) orthodontic extractions were recruited from the Sydney Dental Hospital between October 2014 and December 2014.
Intervention:
All MFPs were tipped buccally for 28 days to induce OIIRR. The experimental premolars (n = 20) received LLLT and the control premolars (n = 20) received placebo-laser on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 21. Ten experimental premolars received LLLT via continuous delivery and 10 received pulsed delivery.
Laser Parameter:
AlGaAs diode laser of 808 nm wavelength, 0.18 W power, 1.6 J per point, and duration of 9s for continuous mode and 4.5 s for pulsed mode.
Outcome:
The difference in root resorption crater volume between LLLT and placebo-laser and continuous or pulsed laser delivery after 28 days.
Randomization:
Randomization was computer-generated, with allocation concealment by opaque sequentially numbered sealed envelopes.
Blinding:
The participants and operator were blinded.
Results:
Eighty-eight patients were screened and 20 patients were randomized. Forty premolars were analysed. LLLT resulted in 23 per cent less root resorption compared to the placebo (P = 0.026). Pulsed laser delivery resulted in 5 per cent less root resorption than continuous; however, this was not statistically significant (P = 0.823). No harm was observed.
Conclusion:
Teeth treated with LLLT had less total root resorption than placebo-laser. Furthermore, there was minimal difference between pulsed or continuous delivery of LLLT.
Trial Registration:
Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12616000829415).
Protocol:
The protocol was not published before trial commencement.
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