Table 1. Studies Using Different Lasers on DO .
| Author/Year | Type of Study | Mode of Laser | Laser Properties | DO Protocol | Method of Assessment | Conclusion |
| Taha et al/ 201836 |
Experimental (30 dogs) | GaAr | WL=970 nm, Power=2 W, Total Energy=840 J, Duration=420 s | Latency=7 days, Activation=10 days 1mm/d Consolidation=2- and 4- and 8-weeks |
Histologic specimens and histomorphometric analysis (photomicrography + morphometric analysis) | LLLT had a positive role as a potential bio-stimulator and local inducer in enhancing bone formation during DO. |
| Gurler et al/ 201839 |
Experimental (20 female New Zealand white rabbits) | GaAlAs | Power=150 mW, Energy Density=36 J/cm2 | Latency=5 days, Activation=5 days 1mm/d, Consolidation=15 and 30 days |
Histopathological investigation and histological analysis | The use of LLLT in activation period of DO stimulates bone repair. |
| Freddo et al/ 201640 |
Experimental (18 female New Zealand rabbits) | GaAlAs | Power=20 mW, Energy Density=20 J/cm2 | Latency=3 days, Activation=7 days 1mm/d, Consolidation=20 days |
Picrosirius-stained sections for assessment of collagen fibers/microscope-coupled camera for assessment of AgNORs | The LLLT-treated group exhibited the greatest bone formation with substantial vascularization. |
| Medeiros et al/201541 | Experimental (24 male New Zealand rabbits) | Not mentioned | WL=808 nm, Power=100 mW, Energy Density=6 J/cm2 | Latency=2 days Activation=10 days 1mm/d |
Histomorphometric and histological analysis | This study concluded that bone healing is accelerated with the application of laser irradiation. |
| Cakir-Ozkan/ 201542 |
Human study (9 patients with transverse mandibular deficiency of more than 5 mm, 6 males,3 females, mean age: 14.9 years) | GaAlAs | WL=830 nm, Power=40 mW, Energy Density=8.4 J/cm2 | Latency=5 days, Activation= 1 mm/d |
CT-scans for bone density and stereological analysis for volume assessment | The retention period can be shortened and mineralization may be increased by using LLLT in mandibular DO. |
| Abd-Elaal/ 201537 |
Human study (10 patients:7 females, 3 males, mean age: 31±5.1 years) | GaAs | WL=905 nm, Power=500 mW, Energy Density=20 J/cm2 | Latency=5 days, Activation=7-14 days 1 mm/d, Consolidation=30 days, *Laser was applied during the consolidation period. |
Panoramic radiographs using a bone healing score based on the optical density | The use of LLLT on distracted bone was found to increase the quality and quantity of bone and to shorten the consolidation period. |
| Fazilat/ 201443 |
Experimental (18 male New Zealand rabbits) | GaAlAs | WL= 810 nm; power=200 mW, irradiation mode= continuous wave energy density= 3 J/cm2 time=7.5 s | Latency= 5 days, Activation=10 days,0.5 mm/day, Consolidation= 10,20 and 40 days, *laser was applied during latency and activation phases | Macroscopic analysis/ scanning electron microscopeanalysis/histological analysis | LLLT can stimulate new bone formation only in the early stages of the consolidation period, and has no significant effects on later stages. |
| Nascimento/ 201344 |
Experimental (24 male New Zealand rabbits) | Not mentioned | WL= 808 nm, Power= 100 mW, Continous light Density= 6 J/cm2 | Latency=2 days, Activation=10 days, 1 mm/day, Consolidation=not mentioned |
Cone-beam computed tomography for bone mineral density analysis | The results suggested an acceleration of bone mineral density after laser and ultrasound irradiation. |
| Kan/201345 | Experimental (16 female New Zealand rabbits) | GaAlAs | WL= 808, Power= 0.25 W, 5 s each point, 6 mm spot size, 7.5 J energy daily |
Latency= 6 days Activation=8 days 1 mm/day Consolidation=28 and 56 days |
Micro-tomographic analysis for volumetric analysis/plain radiographic analysis for bone density analysis/histology and histomorphology analysis | LLLT in distraction period activates healing of bone and it may decrease the DO period. |
| Kocyigit/ 201346 |
Experimental (15 New Zealand rabbits) | Not mentioned | WL= 650 nm, Power= 25 mW, Continuous wave 0.026 W/cm2, duration=600 s, density= 16 J/cm2 a day; |
Latency= 7 days Activation= not mentioned 1 mm/day Consolidation=43 days |
Radiologic evaluation for dual energy x-ray absorptiometry measurement | LLLT and LIPUS are both safe, noninvasive procedures that may improve the outcome of DO treatment, but are both difficult and costly. |
| Mayer/ 201247 |
Experimental (24 male New Zealand white rabbits) | AlGaAs | WL= 830 nm, Density= 4 J/cm2,Power= 40 mW, continuous wave duration=101 s | Latency= 3 days Activation=7 days 0.8 mm/day Consolidation=10 days *laser was applied during activation phase |
Histological and histomorphometric analysis | LLLT performed during the activation period has a positive effect on the tissue repair process in a rabbit model of DO of the mandible. |
| Freddo et al/ 201248 |
Experimental (5 female Corriedale sheep) | GaAlAs | WL= 830 nm, Power= 50 mW, Energy Density= 120 J/cm2, Duration=1.41 min | Latency= 5 days Activation=15 days 1 mm/d Consolidation= 13 to 30 days |
Computed tomography images for maximal projection reconstruction | LLLT provided increased benefits when applied during the bone consolidation period. |
| Vannucci/ 201138 |
Experimental (12 male New Zealand rabbits) | Not Mentioned (manufacturer: Thera Laser) | WL= 830 nm, Power= 40 mW, Continuous emission Density= 10 J/cm2 | Latency= 3 days Activation=10 days 0.7 mm/day Consolidation= 10 days |
Histological and histomorphometric analysis/computed tomography analysis/instrumental hardness test/spectroscopy x-ray fluorescence/x-ray diffraction spectrometry | The results of this preliminary pilot study encouraged the use of LLLT during the healing period. |
| Krisner et al/ 201049 |
Experimental (10 male New Zealand rabbits) | GaAlAs | WL= 830 nm, Power= 40 mW, Energy Density= 10 J/cm2 | Latency= 3 days Activation=7 days 0.7 mm/d Consolidation=10 days |
Histological analysis | The results suggested that LLLT had a positive effect on the percentage of newly formed bone. |
| Angeletti/ 201050 |
Human study (13 patients with maxillary transverse deficiency, age: 18 to 33 years) | GaAlAs | WL= 830 nm, Power +100 mW, Density= 420 J/cm2, Duration=48 s | Latency= 4 days, Activation= varies depending on treatment goals, 0.4 mm/day, Consolidation=4 months | Digital periapical radiographs for evaluation of optical density as the index of bone regeneration | LLLT accelerated bone regeneration after surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion. |
| Hübler/ 200951 |
Experimental (5 male New Zealand rabbits) | GaAlAs | WL= 830 nm, Power= 40 mW, Density= 50 J/cm2 | Latency= 3 days Activation=7 days, 0.7 mm/day, Consolidation=10 days, *laser was applied during consolidation phase |
X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and X-rad diffraction spectroscopy | LLLT had a positive effect on the percentage of newly formed bone, on the chemical composition, and on the crystallinity in the DO sites. |
| Miloro/ 200752 |
Experimental (9 New Zealand white rabbits) | GaAlAs | WL= 820 nm, Power= 400 mW, Energy= 6 J | Latency= 1 day, Activation=10 days, 1 mm/day, Consolidation=2,4 and 6 weeks, *laser was applied during activation phase |
Ex vivo clinical appearance for bone healing score/histological analysis | The use of LLLT during DO of the mandible resulted in a statistically significant accelerated process of normal bone healing. |
| Cerqueira/ 200753 |
Experimental (18 sheep) | GaAlAs | WL= 830 nm, Power= 40 nW, Density= 16 J/cm2 | Latency= 4 days, Activation=10 days, 1 mm/day, Consolidation=21 days | Radiographic and histological analysis | The laser has been more favorable when used in the consolidation period, after bone elongation. |
Abbreviations: DO, Distraction osteogenesis; LLLT, Low-level laser therapy; WL, Wavelength.