Abstract

Orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR) is a complication of dental treatment which consists of the degradation of local tissue due to an inflammatory reaction provoked by inappropriate orthodontic stimulus. The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in reducing orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR) in animal models. A systematic review was carried out in the MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS databases. Studies of interventions in animals were selected which analysed the effect of LLLT on OIIRR repair. The risk of bias was analysed through the 10 domains of the SYRCLE RoB tool for animal studies. Seventy-one studies were found; 27 were eliminated as duplicates and 44 titles/abstracts were analysed. Of these, 38 were excluded, and five studies were included for qualitative analysis. In 66.6 % of the studies included, the authors state that LLLT was effective in the inhibition/repair of OIIRR. In histological analysis it was observed that root resorption was significantly less in animals treated with laser as compared to the control. Furthermore, LLLT accelerated cicatrization after OIIRR. Laser proved effective in reducing root resorption lacunae and shortening the inflammatory process induced by the application of orthodontic force.