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

Abstract

AbstractDespite 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.