Abstract
Objectives: Lasers are often used in clinical dentistry. Reports have shown they are effective for soft tissue management around implants and treatment of periimplantitis. However, few reports have examined the effects of laser-generated heat. This study analyzed potential surface alterations and temperature changes caused by laser use.
Materials and methods: SLA (sandblasted, large grit, acid etched) and raw surface titanium plates were irradiated using CO2 (fiber and multijoint) and diode lasers. The specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The SLA titanium implants were irradiated using fiber CO2 lasers and temperature changes were measured.
Results: After CO2 (multijoint) laser application, SLA surface titanium discs showed melting alterations of the surface, but showed no alterations after application of CO2 (fiber) and diode lasers. The temperature increase was directly related to wattage and exposure time and did not change in excess of 3℃ by fiber CO2 laser application (1-2 W, 5 seconds, SP or RPT mode).
Conclusion: Periimplantitis can be successfully treated by fiber CO2 laser application (2 W, 5 seconds, SP or RPT mode) without damaging the implant surface or osseointegration.
