Effect of low level laser therapy on dental pulp during orthodontic movement

Abstract

AIM: To validate the protocol described here to be used in future clinical trials related to the effect of laser therapy on dental pulp.

METHODS: Histologically treated samples from eight human healthy premolar teeth obtained from the middle root level were distributed in four groups: group 1 (G1) absolute control; group 2 (G2) only laser irradiation; group 3 (G3) exposed only to orthodontics; and group 4 (G4) treated with orthodontics and laser. Laser treatment was performed at 830 nm wavelength, 100 mW (energy 80 J/cm², 2.2 J), for 22 s in the vestibular surface and 22 s in the palatal surface, 1 mm away from the dental root mucosa. Three staining methods were performed: hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson’s Trichrome method and Gomori’s method.

RESULTS: The pulp histology parameters were evaluated and the results classified in to 3 parts: an inflammatory response, soft tissue response (dental pulp) and hard tissue response (dentin and predentin). There was no inflammation (chronic or acute) in any of the evaluated groups. The zones of pulp necrosis were found in one premolar of G3 and in one of G4; in groups G2 and G4 there was higher angiogenesis than in the other two groups. G4 group presented the highest level of vascularization. A reduced nerve density was observed in G3. A G2 specimen showed increased nerve density. A higher rate of calcification was observed in G1 compared to G2. Denticles, either real or false, were observed in G1, G2 and G3. Sclerosis of dentin and focal dentin loss was observed among all the groups. Secondary dentin was present in one sample in G1 and G2. A necrosis zone was found in one sample of G3 and G4. No differences between groups were observed in the odontoblast irregularity layer but the layer was wider in the group treated with laser only. A notable difference was detected in reduction of the cell-free layer between the groups G1 and G4. The findings in pulp tissue favor its adaptative response against dental movement induced by orthodontics. No definitive conclusions may be derived as this is a pilot study.

CONCLUSION: The protocol described here was shown to be an effective method to evaluate changes in dental pulp submitted to low level laser in teeth under orthodontic movement.

Key Words: Low level laser therapy, Pulpal, Orthodontic movement, Histological protocol, Dentin

INTRODUCTION

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) causes positive effects to physiological bone remodeling[1-6] and its effects are considered positive and not cytotoxic for cells participating in induced dental movement, such as fibroblasts[7-12] osteoblasts[13-18], osteoclasts and pre osteoclasts[19,20]. Laser application during orthodontic treatment accelerates orthodontic induced movement[21-25] and reduces pain symptoms during the different treatment stages[26-30].

The orthodontic dental movement has an inflammatory-like effect on pulp tissue, initially causing changes in blood flow[31-33], increasing the level of angiogenic growth factors[34], central and peripheral angiogenesis[35] and generating changes in the odontoblastic layer[36]. Early biochemical changes include a reduction in the activity of alkaline phosphatase[37] and increased activity of aspartate aminotransferase[38].

At the neuronal level, the expression of substance P (SP) in response to orthodontic movement in pulp has been described as well as its potent action in neurogenic inflammation which is directly related to the pain sensation during orthodontic treatment[39].

Some studies in orthodontically treated teeth showed injuries such as root canal calcification[40] and degeneration of the odontoblastic layer due to blood flow alteration, accompanied by edema with pulp vessel congestion and fibrotic changes in pulp tissue, including necrosis[41-43].

In vitro and animal model studies suggest that laser application during orthodontic movement may be able to accelerate pulp damage repair. Miyata et al[44] analyzed the effect of low level laser on pulp tissue from an extracted third molar, finding that this irradiation activated the phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and increased extracellular signals regulated by protein kinase (ERK). This MAPK/ERK activation is indicative of cell proliferation, differentiation and survival.

Abi-Ramia et al[45] published a study on the effect of LLLT on Wistar rats. They applied a 0.4 N force and laser (Ga-Al-As of 830 nm, 100 mW, 18 J) on the control group. In this group, the authors found increased pulp vascularization and concluded that laser application during orthodontic movement may help to repair pulp tissue.

The effect of low level laser therapy used to accelerate dental movement and reduce pain during orthodontic treatments on human dental pulp is not clear. The purpose of this pilot study is to first validate the modified protocol described here to be used in future clinical trials. Secondly, to describe the histological changes in human pulp tissue related to the effect of low level laser therapy as used during the alignment and leveling stage of orthodontic treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethical issues

This study protocol number 124-010 was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Universidad del Valle (Cali, Colombia), conforms to the principles of the declaration of Helsinki and all the patients signed informed consent before any intervention.

According to the Colombian Ministry of Health Resolution 8430 from 1993, this research study is classified in the category of minimum risk for the patients.

Two patients treated at the orthodontics department of dentistry of the Universidad del Valle (23 and 25 years old) provided the sample of eight first premolar teeth programmed to be extracted as part of the orthodontic treatment. Histological sections taken from the middle root zone were obtained from the freshly extracted premolar teeth.

The selected teeth should be completely healthy, without previous endodontic, orthodontic, whitening or restorative treatment, periodontally healthy and free of any trauma or fracture.

The premolar teeth were randomly assigned to four groups, as follows: (1) Control group (G1): Two healthy premolar teeth, without laser therapy and orthodontic treatment; (2) Laser treated group (G2): Two healthy premolar teeth treated with laser without orthodontic treatment; (3) Orthodontic group (G3): Two healthy premolar teeth submitted to orthodontic alignment with standard brackets but not laser treated. The extractions were carried out one month after initiating orthodontic treatment; and (4) Orthodontic and laser group (G4): Two healthy premolar teeth were submitted to the same orthodontic treatment as in G3. The laser treatment was performed after bracket bonding, following the protocol for therapeutic laser use. The extractions were carried out one month later and a second laser dose was applied before the procedure.

Orthodontic initial stage

The patients were treated using a straight-wire technique with Synthesis^® brackets (Ormco, S.A. de C.V. Mexico). All the brackets were bonded with Transbond XT^® resin (Unitek, Monrovia, CA). The initial arch wire was Cu-NiTi 0.014 inch.

Irradiation protocol

The healthy premolars in the corresponding groups to be laser treated were irradiated using a Photon II Laser (Equipamentos DMC, Sao Carlos, Brazil) at a wavelength of 830 nm, 100 mW (energy: 80 J/cm², 2.2 J) at a distance of 1mm away from the mucosa in the vestibular and palatal surface each one for 22 s. This protocol has been shown to be effective for therapeutic purposes in previous studies[24,30].

Histological protocol

All the extracted teeth were treated following the same histological protocol by the same operator and read by a previously standardized pathologist.

The histological protocol includes: (1) Immediately after extraction, the premolar is cross-sectioned in the middle part using a high speed hand piece and diamond tronco-cone bur; (2) The two fragments obtained are immediately submerged in a recipient with a mixture of glutaraldehyde 2.5% and paraformaldehyde 3% in PBS (phosphate buffer saline) at 4 °C. Each sample was fixed in a recipient with a key indicating the group number, specimen number, tooth number according to the international dental nomenclature and the histological treatment date; (3) After the first week of fixation, the specimens are decalcified with a mixture of citrate, EDTA and formate following a technique developed by Dr. Oscar Tamayo from the histology laboratory of the Universidad del Valle (patent under process); (4) The specimens are washed in PBS 0.01 M during two days (4 wash outs per day); (5) The specimens are dehydrated in ethanol (70%, 95%, 100%, plus Xylol) and then included in paraffin molds to be sectioned with microtome at the level of the cement-enamel junction in 5 micrometer slices; (6) The slices are extended in a water bath at 40 °C and dried out in a furnace for one hour at 56 °C. The slide sheet are immersed in xylol and absolute ethanol (100%, 95%, 70% and water); (7) Staining for general cell contents and angiogenesis evaluation is performed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE); (8) The Masson’s Trichrome method staining is used to observe type I collagen fibers; and (9) The Gomori’s method for reticulum staining is used to visualize the reticulum fibers (Type III collagen fibers).

RESULTS

Each descriptive parameter was classified in an ordinal scale as 0: absent, 1: low, 2: moderate, 3: severe, NC: not changed.

Pulp histological findings

The pulp histology parameters were evaluated and the results are summarized in Table 1, classified in to 3 parts: an inflammatory response, soft tissue response (dental pulp) and hard tissue response (dentin and predentin), as recommended by Sübay et al[46].

Table 1 Soft tissue response.

Histological findings	G1	G2	G3	G4
Necrosis	0	0	1	1
	0	0	0	0
Central angiogenesis	1	_	1	_
Peripheral angiogenesis	1	1	_	1
Central and peripheral	_	3	1	2
Vascular density	1	1	1	2
	1	1	2	2
Nerve density	1	1	NC	1
	1	2	NC	NC
Calcifications	2	0	1	1
	2	1	3	3
False denticles	1	1	0	0
Real denticles	1	1	1	0

0: Absent; 1: Low; 2: Moderate; 3: Severe; NC: Not changed.

Inflammatory response: There was no inflammation (chronic or acute) in any of the evaluated groups, G1, G2, G3 and G4.

Soft tissue response: Connective tissue histological findings: The observations made under this three stain techniques applied to evaluate connective tissue fibrosis are summarized in Table 2. Figure 1A clearly shows pulp fibrosis. Zones of pulp necrosis: Zones of pulp necrosis were found in one premolar of G3 and G4 (Figure 1B). Vascularization: There was more angiogenesis in the G2 and G4 groups than in the other two groups. The group receiving orthodontic treatment plus laser presented with the highest level of vascularization. Angiogenesis is observed under HE staining where the vascular endothelium shows no muscular layer, a clear indication that it is only developing. Nerves: A reduced nerve density was observed in the orthodontic positive group (laser negative). A G2 specimen (laser treated) showed increased nerve density (Figure 1C). Presence of calcification and denticles: A higher calcification was observed in G1 than in G2. No difference was detected in the orthodontic positive groups. Denticles, either real or false, were observed in G1, G2 and G3 (Figure 1D, E). Fibroblast morphology: No descriptive alterations in histological findings were observed between groups in the morphology of fibroblasts.

Figure 1 Photography. A: Showing necrotic areas in a slice of the group treated with orthodontics without laser (magnification × 10); B: Showing increased nerve density in the pulp of a laser irradiated specimen (magnification × 40); C: A control group premolar that shows a false denticle - denticle without epithelium (magnification × 10); D: A premolar from G3 group presenting a real denticle - with epithelium (magnification × 10); E: The arrows signal dentin and predentin sclerosis in a G2 specimen (magnification × 20); F: The arrows indicate focal predentin lost in a G1 premolar (magnification × 20); G: Irregularities in odontoblast layer. The thickness of odontoblast layer is indicated with the arrow in this G2 premolar slice (magnification × 20); H: The arrows indicate the presence of odontoblast vacuolization in a specimen treated both with orthodontics and laser (magnification × 20); I: The red circle shows a normal Weil cell-free zone and the yellow circle marks a zone invaded by cells and blood vessels in a G4 premolar (magnification × 20). D: Dentine; P: Pulp; N: Necrosis; FD: False denticle; RD: Real denticle; PD: Predentin; OL: Odontoblast layer.

Table 2 Connective tissue histological findings.

Staining	G1	G2	G3	G4
Hematoxylin-eosin	1	1	1	2
	1	2	3	2
Masson’s Trichrome method	2	1	1	2
	2	1	2	2
Gomori’s method for reticulum	2	1	1	2
	2	2	2	2

0: Absent; 1: Low; 2: Moderate; 3: Severe.

Hard tissue response (dentin and predentin): Histological findings in hard tissues are summarized in Table 3. Sclerosis of dentin and focal dentin lost was observed in all the groups (Figure 1F, G). Secondary dentin was present in one sample of G1 and G2. A necrosis zone was found in one sample of G3 and G4. Odontoblast layer: No relevant differences between groups were observed in odontoblast irregularities but the layer was wider in the group treated with laser only. No differences were detected regarding odontoblast vacuolization (Figure 1H, I). Acellular zone (Weil zone): A notable difference was detected in a reduction of the cell-free layer between the groups G1 and G4. Cell-rich zone: Fibroblast proliferation was minimal in G1 group.

Table 3 Hard tissue (dentin and predentin) response.

Histological findings	G1	G2	G3	G4
Sclerosis of dentin	2	1	1	1
	0	0	0	0
Secondary dentin	2	2	0	0
	0	0	0	0
Necrosis in dentin	0	0	1	1
	0	0	0	0
Focal dentin lost	2	0	0	0
	0	0	0	0
Focal predentin lost	2	2	1	1
	0	0	0	0
Irregularities in odontoblast layer	1	2	1	1
	1	3	1	1
Thickening of odontoblasts	1	2	3	2
	1	3	1	0
Odontoblast vacuolization	1	2	1	1
	2	2	2	2
Reduction of Weil zone	1	2	1	3
	1	2	3	3
Cell-rich zone	1	2	1	2
	1	2	3	2

0: Absent; 1: Low; 2: Moderate; 3: Severe.

DISCUSSION

The present study performed in human premolar healthy teeth explored possible histological changes in the pulp, related to orthodontics and/or LLLT during the initial phases or orthodontic treatment.

In their study, Villa et al[34] evaluated pulp-dentinal reactions after the application of a 4 ounce intrusive orthodontic force to human maxillary first premolars in patients given the NSAID nabumetone. The root surface histological slides were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Masson’s Trichrome method and Gomori’s method for reticulum. Masson’s Trichrome method was used to visualize fibrin, fibrosis and type I collagen fibers. Gomori’s method for reticulum was used to visualize reticulum fibers (Type III collagen fibers). Even although there was this difference, similar findings are described for the pulp tissue.

The most relevant results are those related to pulp vascularization; the scientific literature indicates that orthodontic dental movement affects pulp vascularization. Taking into account that the pulp is surrounded by rigid structures and the blood supply comes from the apical foramen, any change in blood flow or tissue pressure may affect the pulp integrity[39,47,48].

Vascular alterations have a direct impact upon pulp metabolism, especially changes in blood supply and angiogenesis, as the research line of Derringer has proved[49-51].

Angiogenesis is the formation of new capillary structures through neovascularization. Angiogenesis stages include a breakdown of vascular membrane, endothelial cell mitosis and migration to form new capillaries, as well as cell folding to preserve the vessel lumen[35].

The importance of the increased vascularization found in the present study is that it accelerates the pulp repair, as described by Abi-Ramia et al[45] in 2010 in a report about the effect of LLLT in an animal model. The study was performed in 45 Wistar rats. The control group (n = 20 rats) received a 0.4 N stress for mesial movement and laser irradiation from Ga-Al-As laser at 830 nm, 100 mW, 18 J/cm² 4 s per point in the vestibular, mesial and palatal surfaces, perpendicular to the molar axis. The authors found transitory hyperemia in the pulp in this group and suggested that the application of laser during orthodontic movement may accelerate pulp injury repair.

The same hypothesis is supported by the study of McDonald and Pitt Ford[52] made in maxillary permanent canine teeth; it suggests that the increment of pulp blood flow is a consequence of the inflammatory process triggered by the force applied for dental movement. During this process, the increased blood supply and the presence of inflammatory cells in the zone aim to repair the tissue.

The results of the present study show necrosis zones in G3 and G4. These zones can be the result of the orthodontic induced movement, as suggested by Woloshyn et al[42], Perinetti et al[37] and Bauss et al[53]. It should also be considered that the result is a consequence of the use of a high speed cutting bur when the teeth were cut into 2 fragments. The possibilities of a previous pulp necrosis related to dental trauma or leveling an alignment are ruled out due to a close verification process during experimentation time. The alterations observed in the odontoblastic layer are consistent with those described in previous studies. Santamaria et al[54], after applying 0.4 N to produce mesial tipping in maxillary molar teeth of rats, found hypertrophy of odontoblasts, especially at the mesial area of the coronal pulp.

There are also previous reports about the proliferative effect of LLLT on different cell lines, including odontoblasts[55-57]. In the present study, an irregular distribution of the odontoblast layer in all groups was observed, compared to the absolute control group. The widening of the odontoblast layer appears under LLLT stimulation compared to the control group.

Reports presented by Stenvik et al[58] in teeth with a closed apex submitted to dental movement indicate few or no vacuolization of the odontoblastic layer, indicating that the inflammatory changes generated by the orthodontic force are made without causing important degenerative breakdown in the odontoblasts. However, in the present study, vacuolization of odontoblasts in all the groups studied was observed, including the control group.

The reduction of the cell-free zone (Weil) was notorious when the control group G1 was compared to G4, especially in areas where more alterations were found in the odontoblast layer, agreeing with findings in previous reports[46,55,58].

In teeth under orthodontic movement with or without LLLT, it is usual to observe a cell-rich zone inside the cell-free layer that is differentiated from the central pulp portion by the high number of cells per area unit, mainly fibroblasts and undifferentiated mesenchymal cells, due to its proliferative effects on fibroblasts and collagen fibers. It is also known that this cell-rich zone is more abundant on irradiated teeth than in the control group[45]. In the present study, the difference was not relevant when the control group was compared to the experimental groups or among the experimental groups, probably due to the sample size.

It is not possible to compare the present study results with other human studies as there are only reports from animal models[45] that show some evidence that orthodontic movement associated with LLLT enhances vascularization and therefore could accelerate pulp tissue repair. On the other hand, there are reports in human subjects indicating that LLLT has deleterious effects when the energy released is high enough to increase the temperature in the pulp camera above the threshold of 5.5 °C[59]. The present investigation suggests that the pulp tissue reacts in a way that tends to favor repair from the initial injury produced by the orthodontic force.

The most relevant contribution of the present study is the number of histological findings not previously shown in high quality slices in human pulp after application of LLLT in teeth under orthodontic movement. It is also relevant that this design and protocol might be applied to further studies using a sample of at least 12 dental specimens per group.

In conclusion, the protocol described here was shown to be an effective method to evaluate changes in human dental pulp tissue submitted to low level laser therapy on teeth under orthodontic movement. The findings made in pulp tissue favor its adaptative response against dental movement injury induced by orthodontics and this data should be validated in future randomized clinical trials.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors wish to thank the following methodological and technical advisors: Dr. Adriana Jaramillo, Magister in Microbiology, Universidad del Valle, Dr. Herney Rengifo, Magister in Public Health and Epidemiology, Universidad del Valle and Dr Roberto Jaramillo, pathologist, Universidad del Valle. We also thank Dr. Luis Rogelio Hernández, Master of Science from the University of Southampton, and Dr. Sergio Velasquez, orthodontist, Universidad del Valle, for their assistance in the writing and translation of this article.

COMMENTS

Background

Laser application during orthodontic treatment accelerates orthodontic movement and reduces pain symptoms during the different treatment stages; however, the effect of low level laser therapy on human dental pulp is not clear.

Research frontiers

Some studies in orthodontically treated teeth showed injuries such as root canal calcification and degeneration of the odontoblastic layer due to blood flow alteration, accompanied by edema with pulp vessel congestion and fibrotic changes in pulp tissue, including necrosis. In vitro and animal model studies suggest that laser application during orthodontic movement may be able to accelerate pulp damage repair.

Innovations and breakthroughs

It is not possible to compare the present study results with other human studies as there are only reports from animal models that show some evidence that orthodontic movement associated with low level laser therapy (LLLT) enhances vascularization and therefore could accelerate pulp tissue repair. The present investigation suggests that the pulp tissue reacts in a way that tends to favor repair from the initial injury produced by the orthodontic force.

Applications

The most relevant contribution of the present study is the number of histological findings not previously shown in high quality slices in human pulp after application of LLLT in teeth under orthodontic movement. It is also relevant that this design and protocol might be applied to further studies with a higher number of specimens.

Terminology

LLLT has been advocated as a collateral-free therapy and its application has shown considerable reduction in pain caused by orthodontic appliance placement. Furthermore, LLLT has also shown biostimulatory effects; the energy output of the device is low enough not to exceed an irradiated tissue temperature of 36.5 °C.

Peer review

This is an interesting study revealing the histological response of human dental pulp to the application of LLLT in teeth under orthodontic tooth movement.