Effects of lasers on titanium dental implant surfaces: a narrative review

Abstract

Despite the many treatment modalities offered to prevent or manage peri-implantitis, there is currently a lack of high-quality evidence that supports any approach being regarded as a gold standard. Given that methods such as hand scaling with metal instruments and ultrasonic scaling may damage the implant surfaces, it is important to identify methods that are inherently safe for the surface being treated, and this is where interest in the use of lasers as alternative or adjunctive methods has arisen. This article provides a summary of the different types of lasers that can be used for the management and prevention of peri-implantitis. It also presents novel results from our research team related to the profile and surface characteristics of implants after treatment with different laser types and using different laser parameters. This review looks at the factors that should be considered when using lasers for the management or prevention of peri-implantitis. In conclusion, it is extremely difficult to formulate a reliable comparison between the available studies in the literature due to the high variability in laser types, settings and techniques used in each study. The review highlights the need for standardised studies in this field in order to provide recommendations to clinicians that would allow a more predictable treatment outcome.

Effects of restraint stress and surface treatments on the stability of titanium dental implant osseointegration in dogs: An in vivo comparative study

“…In natural bone metabolism, the oxide film formed after laser ablation restricts the release of ionic or molecular from the titanium surface, and protects the biological environment from the highly reactive Ti metal. 34 , 35 , 36 …”

Impact of Er,Cr:YSGG Laser, Sandblast, and Acid Etching Surface Modification on Surface Topography of Biodental Titanium Implants

“…Studies evaluated several laser settings used to irradiate dental implants using the Er,Cr: YSGG laser to see which application caused the least surface damage to the implants. 31,32 In 2012, Park et al used the Er,Cr:YSGG lasers at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 W to examine machined Ti and anodized discs. When the power was greater than 3 W, both Ti surfaces showed clear modifications.…”

Numerical study on the three-dimensional temperature distribution according to laser conditions in photothermal therapy of peri-implantitis

“…However, mechanical treatment alone often fails to eliminate the biofilm [ 14 , 19 ], and the use of chemical agents or antibiotics can be minimally effective or raise concerns regarding side effects [ 20 ]. Therefore, recent studies have focused on the use of dental lasers to sterilize and purify implant surfaces [ 21 – 23 ]. The laser could be used in either secondary prevention or raising levels of prevention for peri-implantitis [ 24 ].…”