Er:YAG and diode laser application in implant bed preparation and implant uncovering: A case report

The use of lasers in the field of dentistry has increased recently. Their numerous advantages and applications in soft and hard tissue surgeries make them a great alternative to conservative methods in dental implantology. The most commonly used lasers are diode and erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) lasers. The Er:YAG laser can be used in implant bed preparation, as it brings no thermal injury to the bone. The laser does not cause bone necrosis and positively affects osseointegration and the healing process. The use of the diode laser in soft tissue surgeries helps to obtain optimal hemostasis. Therefore, it can be used in implant exposure, since it allows performing immediate impressions. The present case report describes the implementation of the Er:YAG laser in the implant bed preparation of a single-tooth dental implant in position 35 (according to the World Dental Federation (Fédération Dentaire Internationale - FDI) notation) for better bone regeneration. The implant exposure was performed with the diode 980-nm laser for hemostasis and immediate impressions. The results of laser employment were compared to traditional drilling and scalpel techniques. The advantages and disadvantages of the application of the above lasers were featured.