The effect of low-level laser treatment on maxillary arch dimensions after palatal surgery on beagle dogs.

The effect of low-level laser treatment on maxillary arch dimensions after palatal surgery was investigated in Beagle dogs at an age of 12 weeks. A total of 30 dogs was used, and they were assigned to either a control group (Group C, n = 6) or one of two experimental groups (Group L, n = 12; and group LL, n = 12). After Von Langenbeck's palatal repair in the two experimental groups, denuded bony areas in the LL group were irradiated with a continuous Ga-As-Al laser beam (830 nm) and energy output set at 30 mW. A dosage of 1 J/cm2 wound surface area was used. Treatment was carried out three times a week, with a total of ten treatments. The animals of the L group served as non-treated control animals. Dental casts were made of all animals of all groups at regular intervals until they reached 25 weeks of age. Maxillary arch dimensions were studied. Dental arch dimensions in the deciduous dentition of both experimental groups were not disturbed by surgery, but after eruption of permanent teeth, mainly transverse maxillary arch dimensions in the premolar region increased less in both experimental groups than in the control group. It was concluded that low-level laser treatment under the conditions used in this study did not decrease the adverse iatrogenic effects of palatal surgery on maxillary arch dimensions.