Protein absorption on titanium surfaces treated with a high-power laser: A systematic review.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The surface of titanium dental implants treated with a high-power laser has been reported to favor osseointegration, mainly by altering protein uptake. Despite the large number of articles that address the topic, the heterogeneity of methodologies and results makes an understanding of the treatment's benefits difficult, and a systematic review is needed. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to further the knowledge on protein uptake on titanium surfaces that have undergone treatment with a high-power laser. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF) (osf.io/gcbna). Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar databases. The articles were selected in 2 steps by 2 independent reviewers according to the previously selected eligibility criteria. The risk of bias was analyzed by using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI)-adapted quasi-experimental study evaluation tool. RESULTS: The studies addressed have shown that applying a high-power laser to the implant surface, depending on its settings, generates topographical changes that can optimize the protein absorption process and thus accelerate the other biological processes. CONCLUSIONS: The studies identified in this systematic review showed that surface treatment with a high-power laser represents a promising technique with a positive influence on protein uptake and osseointegration.