Efficacy of Bone Graft and Photobiomodulation in Alveolar Preservation: A Case Report in a Post-Bariatric Surgery Patient

Abstract

Bariatric surgery has been shown to enhance health outcomes and quality of life in the obese population. However, post-surgical alterations in nutrient absorption may lead to impaired bone remodeling. In the context of dental extraction, bone grafts are commonly regarded as the preferred method for multidimensional alveolar ridge preservation. Photobiomodulation, which stimulates osteoblast activity, has proven effective in promoting bone neoformation. This case report describes the removal of residual roots of teeth 24, 25, and 26, along with a bone graft performed in a single surgical procedure on a patient with a history of malnutrition following bariatric surgery. The procedure was complemented by photobiomodulation applied to the alveolar ridge using a combination of red and infrared lasers (660 nm and 808 nm, respectively), delivering 18 J per point for 20 seconds at nine distinct points over a period of 26 weeks. Tomographic analysis revealed an increase in alveolar ridge bone height ranging from 6.85% to 16.07% compared to initial measurements. However, a reduction in alveolar ridge thickness between 26.55% and 51.42% was observed. Despite this, the remaining bone volume was deemed sufficient for the successful placement of dental implants. This clinical case underscores the potential benefits of combining red and infrared lasers in the preservation of alveolar ridge bone following tooth extraction in patients with a history of bariatric surgery and malnutrition, warranting further investigation in future studies.