If you’ve ever had a dental implant, or many other types of surgery, bone grafts are often necessary. One problem with bone grafts is that the bone must be taken from another part of the body. This can weaken the existing bone there. Also, where the dental implants are to be placed needs to have the correct amount of bone density so that the implants will be successful.
Fortunately, a new procedure has been proven to improve bone density. This procedure involves stimulation with light to improve bone weight and health. It’s uses aren’t just for surgeries and medical procedures. It can also be used for osteoporosis and degenerative bone loss. Osteoporosis is a weakening of the bones that causes the most bone fractures for the elderly.
What makes bones unhealthy?
Bone health is controlled by many factors. Among them are general health, diet, exercise, and genetics. When it comes to genetics. One gene in particular can suppress bone formation. A glyco-protein coded by the SOST gene produces sclerostin. Sclerostin is produced by bone cells and slows bone formation.
How was it initially discovered?
During procedures for periodontal surgery, some bone destruction is necessary. This can be done surgically, and also with lasers. When lasers were used for this procedure rather than conventional drillings, it was discovered that the bones healed faster.
Afterwards, the team at Tokyo Medical and Dental University performed laser irradiation on rat skull bones. What was discovered was that the bones that were treated with lasers rather than drilling had suppressed sclerosin production. The results showed within 24 hours and continual improvement after that.
What about other light therapies?
Other studies have shown that red and infrared light therapies greatly aids in healing bones. Studies showed that light-treated bone had significant healing effects that were noticeable several days after treatment. The group in the study treated with only infrared laser light showed higher bone density as well, in addition to healing.
How does light therapy work?
Concentrated natural light stimulates the mitochondria in cells. This in turn reduces oxidative stress and helps the body to produce more usable energy. With this energy, the body can regenerate and heal faster.
The Tokyo Medical and Dental University has shown that lasers irradiation can inhibit sclerostin. Doing this type of therapy without causing inflammation shows promise for a new treatment of osteoperosis.
Lasers have already been used for their treatment and benefits in tissue healing. Now, laser use is showing great promise in regrowing bones.
As for infrared and red light therapy, there are various bone benefits. Among them are:
- Stimulation of energy production in bone cells.
- Improved blood vessel formation.
- Improved circulation.
- Better blood flow to the affected area.
- Increased bone growth
- Increased production of collagen and procollagen. Both of which stimulate bone growth.
How is it being used presently?
Infrared and red light stimulation are currently being used by athletes and sports teams. Improved bone density allows for increased muscle density and physical performance. The red and infrared light can also penetrate deep into tissue for various other healing effects as well.
What are the general benefits of bone density?
- Increased possible load and greater strength in vertebrae.
- Stronger bones in general. This makes them resistant to injury, and more robust as a whole.
- Better bone healing. Fractures heal faster.
- Reduced swelling after bone-related injuries.
- Enhanced overall bone health, especially due to enhanced collagen production.
Other benefits to overall health and wellbeing include:
- Pain and inflammation relief. The body regenerates cartillage better after this treatment.
- Improved sleep quality thanks to boosted melatonin production.
- Better flexibility, including those with osteoarthritis.
- Less pain and soreness after exercise.
- Enhanced athletic performance, and better recovery. Hence why light therapy is becoming popular among athletes.
How can this affect dentistry?
Firstly, light therapy can help people recover more quickly from surgical procedures. Dental implants, use of dentures, facial surgery, oral surgery, and much more require bone healing after a procedure. With light therapy, not only can pain and swelling go down, but the bones can be stimulated to regenerate and heal more quickly. If a procedure requires a bone graft, then the area where bone will be removed from can be treated with light to increase density and bone health. After the bone is removed from the graft area, it can be treated again with light so that it heals with minor pain, swelling, and inflammation. Additionally, the healing of both the implant area and the graft area can be sped up with light therapy.
This promising development in the field of bone health can make healing from dental procedures easier and faster.
Sources:
Low-Intensity Laser Radiation Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20662028/
Osteoclastic Bone Resorption study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3044405/
Laser Irradiation Study: https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1096/fj.202001032R
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