EFFECT OF LOW LEVEL CARBON DIOXIDE LASER RADIATION ON BIOCHEMICAL METABOLISM OF RABBIT MANDIBULAR BONE CALLUS

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Low-level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been suggested as an effective adjuvant in the healing of bone fractures. However, the mechanisms of the effects of laser bioactivation on tissue are still not completely clear. The present study was designed and performed to investigate the effect of LLLT doses of CO₂ laser irradiation on the bone healing of rabbits that had undergone bilateral mandibular hole-like osteotomies. The calcium, phosphorus and collagen hydroxyproline contents in the bone callus were determined respectively on different postoperative days. After exposure to a CO₂ laser beam at a power density of 225 mW/cm², it was demonstrated that the calcium, phosphorus and hydroxyproline quantities in the irradiated side bone callus were significantly higher than the contralateral unirradiated control callus. This may partially explain the bioeffects of LLLT on the speed and quality of bone repair. It is concluded that LLLT using theCO₂ laser has the potential of promoting metabolism and mineralization of bone callus, thus accelerating bone healing.