Laser Therapy May Offer Precise and Safe Solution for Dental Implant Decontamination
A 445 nm diode laser shows promise for effectively decontaminating dental implants while minimizing thermal damage. This study reveals that with the right settings, this laser can achieve near-total bacterial elimination without exceeding the critical temperature threshold.
Dental implants are a common solution for tooth replacement, with around 12 to 18 million procedures performed globally each year. Despite their success, about 22% of these implants face peri-implantitis, a condition largely driven by bacterial contamination. To address this, various decontamination techniques are employed, including mechanical cleaning, chemical agents, and laser therapy.
Laser decontamination, particularly with diode lasers, has gained attention due to its ability to kill bacteria without altering the implant’s surface. Different lasers offer varied methods of bacterial inactivation, including photo-thermal (PT) and photo-dynamic (PD) effects. PD lasers utilize photosensitizers to create reactive oxygen species that destroy bacteria, while PT lasers rely on direct heat damage.
Recent advancements have introduced a 445 nm diode laser that may provide a balance between effective bacterial reduction and temperature control. Previous studies have demonstrated significant bacterial reduction using this laser, but concerns remain about potential temperature increases that might harm the implant or surrounding tissues.
Published in Scientific Reports, this study aimed to evaluate whether a 445 nm diode laser could effectively decontaminate dental implants while keeping temperature rises within safe limits. Researchers tested three irradiation protocols on titanium implants contaminated with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The protocols varied in power, exposure time, and duty cycle, and involved up to ten consecutive scans. Temperature changes were monitored using thermal imaging, and bacterial reduction was assessed.
Results showed that all protocols achieved a bacterial reduction of 99.9999% after 10 scans. However, only one protocol — using a lower power and pulsed mode — maintained the temperature increase below the 10°C threshold deemed safe. This suggests that while the 445 nm diode laser is highly effective at eliminating bacteria, careful selection of parameters is crucial to avoid thermal damage during clinical use.
Overall, this study highlights the 445 nm diode laser’s potential as a viable option for decontaminating dental implants, provided that proper settings are used to ensure both effectiveness and safety. Click here to read more.
