New LLLT protocol to speed up the bone healing process-histometric and immunohistochemical analysis in rat calvarial bone defect

A new low-level laser therapy (LLLT) protocol is proposed and compared to another previously studied, in animal models, aiming to establish a more practical LLLT protocol. Protocol 1, the same used in other works and based on the clinical LLLT protocol for bone regeneration, consists of punctual transcutaneous applications in the defect region with fluence of 16 J/cm(2) every 48 h for 15 days. Protocol 2, proposed in this work, consists of three sessions: the first application directly on the defect site with fluency of 3.7 J/cm(2), during the surgical procedure, followed by two transcutaneous applications, 48 and 120 h postoperatively.