Effect of photobiomodulation on osseointegration and bone—A review

This review article first delves into the intricacies and basic mechanisms of photobiomodulation as proven by scientific research. This paper intends to give insights into studies correlating photobiomodulation in the sphere of osseointegration and bone regeneration, which are as yet evidence based in peer reviewed literature. The assimilated and collated matter is from five electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Randomised Clinical Trials) and is a studious inquiry into both clinical and laboratory studies. The search criteria used keywords of “Photobiomodulation,” “Biostimulation,” and “low level laser therapy (LLLT)” in association with the term “Osseointegration.” The search was based on whether the studies hinged on the use of photobiomodulation or LLLT in the in vivo or in vitro effects on implant integration, bone healing around implants, cell culture on implant material, and the dosage and time of therapy. The search yielded 42 studies out of which 37 met the criteria for selection. Excluded studies differed from the primary objective of applying low level laser therapy to effect a biologic modulation on the body's own healing and reparative mechanisms. This review conclusively demonstrates the effectiveness of treatment protocols of photobiomodulation for osseointegration, specifically toward biostimulatory effects on cells and their interactions with implant surfaces and substantiates evidence of a bimodal or biphasic response of dosage and energy levels.