Effect of erbium-doped: yttrium, aluminium and garnet laser irradiation on the surface microstructure and roughness of sand-blasted, large grit, acid-etched implants

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of erbium-doped yttrium, aluminium and garnet (ErYAG) laser irradiation on sand-blasted, large grit, acid-etched (SLA) implant surface microstructure according to varying energy levels and application times of the laser. METHODS: The implant surface was irradiated by the ErYAG laser under combined conditions of 100, 140, or 180 mJ/pulse and an application time of 1 minute, 1.5 minutes, or 2 minutes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the surface roughness of the specimens. RESULTS: All experimental conditions of ErYAG laser irradiation, except the power setting of 100 mJ/pulse for 1 minute and 1.5 minutes, led to an alteration in the implant surface. SEM evaluation showed a decrease in the surface roughness of the implants. However, the difference was not statistically significant. Alterations of implant surfaces included meltdown and flattening. More extensive alterations were present with increasing laser energy and application time. CONCLUSIONS: To ensure no damage to their surfaces, it is recommended that SLA implants be irradiated with an ErYAG laser below 100 mJ/pulse and 1.5 minutes for detoxifying the implant surfaces.