Low intensity pulsed ultrasound versus low-level laser therapy on peri-implant marginal bone preservation and soft tissue healing following dental implant surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Esraa Sobhe Abdelhamid Mahmoud, Amal Mohamed Abd El-Baky, Osama Gouda, Hussein Gamal Hussein Mogahed
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) are proposed adjunctive therapies to enhance healing after dental implant surgery. However, direct comparisons of their effects on peri-implant marginal bone preservation and soft tissue healing remain limited. This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of LIPUS and LLLT on peri-implant marginal bone preservation, soft tissue healing, pain levels, and oral health-related quality of life following dental implant placement. METHODS: This single-blind, randomized controlled trial included 63 patients undergoing maxillary or mandibular implant placement, randomly allocated to LIPUS (n = 21), LLLT (n = 21), or control (n = 21) groups. LIPUS was applied twice weekly for 4 weeks, while LLLT was administered in 4 sessions over 2 weeks post-implant. Marginal bone loss (MBL) and OHRQoL (OHIP-14) were assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks. Soft tissue healing (Landry Healing Index) and pain (VAS) were evaluated at baseline, 7-, 14-, 21-, and 30-days post-implant. RESULTS: LIPUS significantly reduced marginal bone loss at 6 weeks and 3 months post-implant compared to LLLT and control groups (p < 0.05). LLLT demonstrated superior soft tissue healing at 7-, 14-, 21-, and 30-days post-implant (p < 0.05). Both interventions significantly decreased pain intensity and improved OHRQoL at various time points compared to the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: LIPUS and LLLT significantly enhance peri-implant marginal bone preservation, soft tissue healing, pain management, and OHRQoL in dental implant patients compared to standard care. LIPUS was more effective for peri-implant marginal bone preservation, while LLLT excelled in soft tissue healing. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05938868) on July 11, 2023.