The Effects of Erbium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser (Er: YAG) Irradiation on Sandblasted and Acid-Etched (SLA) Titanium, an In Vitro Study

Abstract

The treatment of peri-implantitis implies the decontamination of the surface of the fixture. This study aims to analyze the effect of the erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser (Er: YAG) on sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) titanium. 30 titanium SLA disks were divided into three groups. In Group 1, the disks were left intact; on the contrary, both Groups 2 and 3 were irradiated with the Er: YAG laser at different settings, with a pulse duration of 300 μs and a period of 30 s. Group 2 was irradiated at 1 W and 100 mJ/pulse and Group 3 at 4 W and 400 mJ/pulse. The superficial changes at chemical, nano, and microscopical levels were detected through the use of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscope. The Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by the Dunn–Bonferroni Post Hoc analysis, detected the presence of statistically significant differences among the groups. The level of significance was p ≤ 0.05. Results showed that Er: YAG irradiation promoted a significant (p < 0.05) increase of oxides and a decrease of microscopical roughness and porosity on SLA disks. However, the protocol tested on group 3 seemed to be too aggressive for the titanium surface, as shown by the presence of micro-cracks and signs of coagulation, melting, and microfractures. In conclusion, Group 2 showed significantly minor surface alterations with respect to Group 3, and the increase of superficial oxide level, the decrease of porosity, and micro-roughness represent a positive alteration that could protect the materials against bacterial adhesion.

Evaluation of Surface Change and Roughness in Implants Lost Due to Peri-Implantitis Using Erbium Laser and Various Methods: An In Vitro Study

“…While C and N decreased after debridement, an increase was observed in Ti and O. EDX analysis around dirty implants showed that the lower percentages of C and higher Ti when the surface was cleaned [ 37 , 44 ]. In the studies of Scarano et al, increased surface oxide levels, decreased in porosity, and nano-roughness represented a positive change that could protect titanium against bacterial adhesion [ 43 , 45 ]. The study of Takagi et al reported that C and Ca percentages on dirty surfaces decreased, while Ti percentages increased significantly after debridement with ErL and ErCrL on artificially created calcified areas.…”

Innovative Concepts and Recent Breakthrough for Engineered Graft and Constructs for Bone Regeneration: A Literature Systematic Review

“…Its use leads to an operating field cleaner from blood and atraumatic work. Additionally, it significantly reduces pain and postoperative edema [ 221 , 222 , 223 , 224 , 225 ]. The use of lasers offers better aesthetic effects compared to other techniques since it does not leave an obvious scar, giving the part of the body where the intervention is performed an excellent restitutio ad integrum [ 221 , 222 , 223 , 224 ].…”

“…However, the use of the laser gives excellent results on the surfaces of implants that have been attacked by peri-implantitis and have part of the fixture exposed in the oral cavity. The use of the laser decreases the microroughness and porosity of the implants, thus giving a more glossy surface, which prevents the adhesion of bacteria on smooth surfaces [ 225 ]. In their study, Pereira et al reported that the use of the LLLT did not lead to any change in bone regeneration compared to the control group, but there was a noticeable difference in the interface between the implant and the bone, thus allowing for better osseointegration [ 239 ].…”

Erbium Laser for Skin Surgery: A Single-Center Twenty-Five Years’ Experience

“…The Erbium laser was introduced to vaporize and remove tissues and is a versatile laser system used in dermatology [2]. However, its main field of use is dentistry, where this type of laser is a cornerstone in oral surgery and implantology [3][4][5][6]. The Erbium laser emits at 2940 nm and is characterized by an active medium consisting of a Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet (YAG) crystal doped with erbium ions [7,8].…”