Laser welding and syncristallization techniques comparison: "Ex vivo" study.

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Electrowelding, a technique using high-voltage electric impulses, was developed in the 1980s for implant abutment stabilization.
• Laser welding emerged in 2009 as an alternative method for the same application.
• Both techniques aim to stabilize intra-oral implant abutments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of electrowelding and laser welding for intra-oral implant abutment stabilization.
• To evaluate thermal effects on surrounding bone tissue during welding.
• To assess the mechanical strength of welded joints.

Main Methods:

• Six bars were welded to 18 titanium implant abutments in pig jaws using Nd:YAG laser and electrowelding devices.
• Thermal increase near implants was measured using K-thermocouples during welding.
• Welded joint strength was assessed via traction tests post-removal.

Main Results:

• Laser welding resulted in significantly lower thermal increase (1.97°C) compared to electrowelding (5.27°C).
• Laser-welded joints exhibited higher strength (184.75 N) than electrowelded joints (168.29 N), though not statistically significant.
• No statistical significance was found in joint strength comparison.

Conclusions:

• Electrowelding presents no clear advantages over laser welding regarding thermal elevation and joint strength.
• Laser welding is a potentially safer method for connecting titanium implants for immediate loading.
• Laser welding minimizes the risk of thermal damage to surrounding tissues during implant stabilization.