Abstract

Background: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of lasers at various wavelengths in treating medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) using biochemical, clinical scoring, micro CT analysis, and histopathological methods. The study follows the ARRIVE guidelines to ensure robust and transparent research.

Methods: In our study, there were 6 groups, including one SHAM group, one CONTROL group, and four experimental groups, with 8 rats in each individual group. Each rat received antiresorptive drug intraperitoneally for 4 weeks and then had the left second molar in the mandible extracted. All animals were sacrificed at the end of the 12th week. In the experimental groups, lasers at wavelengths of 405nm, 445nm, 660nm, and 808nm were applied to the animals. Parameters such as serum vitamin D levels, bone density and bone volume at the extraction site, new bone formation, dead bone count, inflammatory cell count, and epithelial regeneration were examined. Additionally, clinical scoring was conducted after sacrifice. The laser parameters included power density, area, time, fluence, and mode (continuous wave), and the light was administered using a fiber with a Gaussian profile. Statistical analyses were performed with the NCSS (Number Cruncher Statistical System) 2007 Statistical Software (Utah, USA) package program. The results were evaluated at the p<0.05 significance level.

Results: According to the results obtained from our study, new bone formation in all experimental groups was significantly higher than in the SHAM and CONTROL groups. Furthermore, the 660nm and 808nm wavelengths increased serum vitamin D levels significantly. The most successful outcomes were observed in clinical scoring, dead bone count, epithelial cell regeneration, and bone density in the 660nm and 808nm wavelength groups.

Conclusions: The combined use of lasers at 660nm and 808nm wavelengths may yield successful results in treating MRONJ.