Photofunctionalization as a suitable approach to improve the osseointegration of implants in animal models—A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Objectives To determine whether photofunctionalization influences dental implant osseointegration. Material and methods Data on osseointegration rates were extracted from 8 databases, based on bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) and pushout tests. Internal validity was accessed through the SYRCLE risk of bias tool for animal experimental studies. Meta‐analyses were performed for investigation of the influence of photofunctionalization on implant osseointegration, with a random effect and a confidence interval of 95%. The certainty of evidence was accessed through the GRADE approach. Results Thirty‐four records were identified, and 10 were included in the meta‐analysis. Photofunctionalized implants showed higher mean values for BIC in rabbits (MD 6.92 [1.01, 12.82], p = .02), dogs (MD 23.70 [10.23, 37.16], p = .001), rats (MD 20.93 [12.91, 28.95], p