Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of an 808 nm Diode Laser Photobiomodulation and Nonthermal Plasma in Combinations with an Allograft for Healing of Rabbit Calvarial Defects

Background and Aim : The guided bone regeneration technique is a widely used practice in dental implantology to address bone defects. Photobiomodulation (PBM) and nonthermal plasma treatment (NTP) have been assumed to enhance wound healing and tissue regeneration. This study was conducted to compare the effects of PBM using an 808 nm diode laser and NTP, both individually and in combination with allografts, on calvarial bone defects in rabbits. Methods : Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were used. Three 8 mm calvarial defects were subsequently created in each rabbit. The first defect was left untreated as a control, the second was treated with an 808 nm diode laser, and the third was treated with NTP prior to allograft placement. The rabbits were euthanized at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. Microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) was employed to assess the bone volume-to-total volume (BV/TV) ratio, and histological evaluations were conducted to examine the trabecular bone distribution, inflammation, and area of new bone. Results : Significant differences in bone formation were observed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks among the groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, significant differences in the BV/TV were noted between the groups at 8 and 12 weeks (p < 0.05). Compared with the control samples, the PBM- and NTP-treated samples presented significantly greater bone formation at both 8 and 12 weeks (p < 0.05). Conclusion : Considering the limitations of the animal study performed, it can be concluded that both the 808 nm diode laser-mediated PBM and NTP had equal effects on bone formation and were superior to the control group. These results suggest that both PBM and NTP may serve as effective modalities for enhancing the process of bone regeneration in a clinical context.