Effects of low intensity laser irradiation phototherapy on dental pulp constructs

AIM: To investigate low intensity laser irradiation phototherapy(LILIP) on the proliferation, mineralization and degradation of dental pulp constructs.METHODS: Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth(SHED) were grown to confluence and seeded on collagen scaffolds to create dental pulp constructs. LILIP was delivered to the dental pulp constructs using an 830 nm GaA IAs laser at an output power of 20 m W. The LILIP energy density was 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 2.4 J/cm2. After 8 d, the cell proliferation and degradation within the dental pulp constructs were measured using histologic criteria. After 28 d, the effect of LILIP on SHED mineralization was assessed by von Kossa staining.RESULTS: SHED proliferation within the dental pulp constructs varied after exposure to the 0.4, 0.8, 1.2,and 2.4 J/cm2 LILIP energy densities(P < 0.05). The maximum proliferation of SHED in nutrient deficient media was 218% after exposure to a 1.2 J/cm2 LILIP energy density. SHED grown in nutrient deficient media after exposure to a 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 J/cm2 LILIP energy density, proliferated by 167-218% compared to the untreated(non-LILIP) control group(P < 0.05).SHED exposed to a 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 J/cm2 LILIP energy density, and grown in optimal nutritional conditions and proliferated by 147%-164% compared to the untreated(non-LILIP) control group(P < 0.05). The exposure of SHED to the highest LILIP energy density(2.4 J/cm2) caused a reduction of the cell proliferation of up to 73% of the untreated(non-LILIP) control(P < 0.05). The amount of mineral produced by SHED increased over time up to 28 d(P < 0.05). The 0.8 and 1.2J/cm2 LILIP energy densities were the most effective at stimulating the increased the mineralization of the SHED from 150%-700% compared to untreated(nonLILIP) control over 28 d(P < 0.05). The degradation of dental pulp constructs was affected by LILIP(P <0.05). The dental pulp constructs grown in optimal nutritional conditions exposed to a 0.8 J/cm2 or 1.2 J/cm2 LILIP energy density had 13% to 16% more degradation than the untreated(non-LILIP) control groups(P < 0.05). The other LILIP energy densities caused a 1%degradation of dental pulp constructs in optimal nutritional conditions(P > 0.05).CONCLUSION: LILIP can enhance or reduce SHED proliferation, degradation and mineralization within dental pulp constructs. LILIP could promote the healing and regeneration of dental tissues.