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Dental implants are a commonly accepted treatment option for the replacement of lost teeth1,2. Peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis are classified as peri-implant diseases. Peri-implant mucositis is restricted to soft tissues, and there is no evidence of bone loss, with the exception of physiological bone remodeling. Peri-implantitis is a pathological condition that is associated with plaque and affects the tissues surrounding dental implants. It is distinguished by the inflammation of the peri-implant mucosa and the consequent increasing loss of supporting bone3. The primary etiological factor for the initiation and progression of the disorder is disruption of the peri-implant plaque biofilm4. Numerous studies on peri-implant illnesses indicate that the prevalence of peri-implant mucositis (PIM) ranges from 9.7% to 64.6%, while the prevalence of peri-implantitis (P) varies between 4.7% and 45%5.
While plaque accumulation is the main etiological factor that causes peri-implantitis, its treatment is complicated by the diverse topographical characteristics of implants. The foundation of nonsurgical peri-implantitis treatment is infection management through the debridement of the implant surface and the elimination of adhering biofilm to decrease bacterial load below the disease-causing threshold6,7. The complex micro and macro-topography of titanium interfaces and bone defect anatomy limits surface decontamination. The efficacy of different mechanical (curettes, ultrasonic devices, air-powder abrasion, titanium brushes), chemical (citric acid, chlorhexidine, antimicrobials), and physical (laser, photodynamic therapy) decontamination techniques have been assessed in combination8. Current research suggests that the combined use of non-surgical intervention techniques for peri-implantitis is more effective than debridement alone9. The incorporation of chemical antimicrobial agents or local/systemic antibiotics into mechanical therapy has demonstrated significant efficacy; nevertheless, these interventions could result in possible adverse consequences10. As laser technology has advanced, dental lasers have become increasingly popular because of their anti-infective, detoxifying, and user-friendly effects on implant surfaces10,11.
The absorption peak, operational mode of the device, and tissue properties affect the heat increase during laser irradiation. A crucial pre-clinical investigation revealed that an elevation in temperature to 50 °C for 1 min caused vascular damage, whereas a rise to 60 °C led to the cessation of blood flow and subsequent bone necrosis12. An in vitro investigation found that after just 10 s of diode laser irradiation, implant surfaces could reach temperatures higher than the bone safety threshold (10 °C). Bone viability could be compromised by a temperature increase of just 10 °C13.
Numerous recent studies have concentrated on examining the beneficial impact of lasers in this domain14,15,16,17,18. Various laser wavelengths demonstrate a significant antibacterial impact and safety on implant surfaces when appropriate parameters are applied. A number of variables, including intensity, frequency, and wavelength, influence the efficacy of laser treatments. Several studies have demonstrated the bactericidal effect of various laser wavelengths, including CO2, Er:YAG, Er,Cr:YSGG and various diode lasers, which allows us to identify the beneficial effects of different lasers in the treatment of peri-implantitis. Aoki et al19,20,21. concluded from their review that laser application facilitates surface cleaning in both non-surgical and surgical peri-implant treatments, including regenerative therapy, and promotes healing by activating surrounding tissue cells22.
Diode lasers have the ability to exert a bactericidal effect on implant surfaces without affecting the implant's surface pattern. When it comes to treating peri-implantitis, the diode laser may be the way to go because it promotes the healing of periodontal tissues23,24,25.
Erbium, chromium-doped: yttrium, scandium, gallium, garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) lasers exhibit effective properties for the elimination of biofilm and the decontamination of implant surfaces11. Strong bactericidal effects and bone regeneration properties were demonstrated by erbium lasers without causing mechanical damage thanks to their water-powered properties11,14.
There is a shortage of data regarding the alterations caused by laser irradiation on titanium implants. Moreover, a definitive methodology for the irradiation of titanium surfaces has yet to be defined, encompassing laser parameters such as power and time of application. Previous studies showed that Er,Cr:YSGG laser16 application had no effect on temperature change, however, diode laser studies exceeded13 and did not exceed16,26 the critical value. Different results of the effect of laser treatment on the Ra value of the titanium surface are available in the literature18,27. The null hypothesis of the study is that there will be no difference between Er,Cr:YSGG lasers, and diode lasers in terms of temperature and roughness change of titanium surfaces by using. This study aimed to determine safe operating parameters by monitoring surface roughness and temperature variations on titanium material using Er,Cr:YSGG, and diode lasers at various time and power settings. The evaluation of temperature change was conducted with a thermocouple, surface roughness was assessed using a profilometer, and surface alterations were analyzed through SEM and AFM techniques.