Effect of Laser Pre-Drilling on Insertion Torque of Orthodontic Miniscrews: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of different-sized drill tips and laser irradiation times on the initial stability of orthodontic miniscrews placed in Er,Cr:YSGG-laser pre-drilled holes in an animal model. Materials and Methods: Laser pre-drilled holes were made in dog mandibular bone with an Er,Cr:YSGG laser using irradiation times of 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13 seconds, and tip diameters of 0.4 and 0.6 mm. The maximum diameter and depth of the pre-drilled holes was measured with micro computed tomography. The maximum insertion torque was measured during placement the miniscrew. Result: Laser pre-drilled holes were conical shaped. The maximum diameter of pre-drilled holes increased with longer laser irradiation times (P>0.05) and larger tip diameters (P<0.05). The depth of pre-drilled holes increased with longer laser irradiation times and larger tip diameters (P<0.05). When the 0.4 mm tip, but not the 0.6 mm tip, was used, the insertion torque decreased significantly with longer laser irradiation times (P<0.05). Conclusion: Tip diameter impacted insertion torque more than irradiation time. It takes at least 9 seconds using a 0.6 mm tip to create a 0.8 mm diameter and 1.0 mm depth hole in thick cortical bone.