Dental Diode Lasers for Implant Uncovering: A Case Series

Diode lasers are increasingly being utilized as an alternative to conventional soft tissue surgery. Diode lasers originally referred to wavelengths ranging from 810 to 980 nm, but a visible diode laser with a 445-nm wavelength has emerged as an additional wavelength for soft tissue surgery. The goal of this case series was to demonstrate the clinical results of both visible and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths when utilized for stage-two implant surgery. Ten patients with 23 implants were treated at Stony Brook University, Department of Periodontology, for implant uncovering using both visible and nonvisible (NIR) diode lasers. The uncovering was performed utilizing 445-, 970-, and 980-nm wavelengths at a power setting of 2 W in either continuous or pulsed modes. The fiberoptic tips were initiated using blue articulating paper. Either topical benzocaine or infiltration anesthesia was utilized prior to soft tissue removal with the initiated tip. All patients healed uneventfully without any postoperative complications. Visible and NIR diode lasers provide an alternative and safe method to uncover submerged implants at stage-two surgery.