One of the many applications for which lasers have been proposed in implant
dentistry is for the decontamination process. The purposes of this study w
ere to assess possible alterations in titanium implants in vitro and in viv
o by use of the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and to determine whether new bon
e formation can occur on previously contaminated implants. In vitro, temper
ature changes at the bone-titanium implant interface were recorded during u
se of a CO2 laser-scanning system (Swiftlase). Additionally, the effects of
laser irradiation on titanium implants at various power settings were exam
ined. In 6 beagle dogs, a total of 60 implants and bony defects resulting f
rom plaque accumulation were treated by air-powder abrasive (the convention
al treatment), laser irradiation, or both. Depending on the parameters chos
en, melting and other surface alterations were seen in vitro, especially in
the superpulse mode. Otherwise, no alterations were found, even at high po
wer settings in the continuous mode. In vivo, corresponding histologic exam
ination of 4-month sections showed evidence of new direct bone-to-implant c
ontact after laser-assisted therapy, especially when the implants had been
treated concomitantly with submerged membranes. These results support the h
ypothesis that periimplant defects can be treated successfully by laser dec
ontamination without damaging the surrounding tissues in the dog model. Nev
ertheless, further investigations will be required to determine the clinica
l efficacy of the treatment.