Histological Examination of the Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Healing of Gingiva After Gingivectomy in Rats

ABSTRACT

Lasers in dentistry find an increasing usage in recent years. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on healing of gingiva after gingivectomy in rats. Forty-two male Wistar rats, 250 g to 300 g in weight, were used in this study. Gingivectomy was made to gingiva of mandibular incisors in all rats. The rats were divided into: group 1 (control group, non-irridated), and group 2 (experimental group, irridation-treated). After gingivectomy, a low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was applied to the side of the operation area. Treatment using a GaAlAs laser at a wavelength of 940 nm and a dose of 10 J/cm² began after surgery and was repeated on the 2^nd, 4^th and 6^th day post-surgery. Seven animals from each group were sacrificed on the 7^th, 14^th and 21^st day after surgery. Biopsies were performed for histological analysis. In the laser-treated grup, the histopathological findings revealed increased mitotic activity of fibroblasts and collogen synthesis on the 7^th day, better formed epithelial layer, mild keratinization, collagen fibers and vascularization on day 14. On the 21^st day after surgery, marked collagen fibers and vascularization was assesed according to the control group. The results of this study indicate that low-energy level laser therapy appeared to exert a positive effect in epithelization and wound healing after gingivectomy.

Keywords:

• laser
• biostimulation
• gingiva
• wound healing