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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
Oral Biofilm Formation on Different Materials for Dental Implants
Published on: June 24, 2018
Effect of different wavelengths and powers of laser on surface topography and biofilm removal from titanium implants:
Paul Ashraf Sedrak1, Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim2, Josep Arnabat Dominguez3
1Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Champolion St, Azarita, Alexandria, 21527, Egypt. paulasedrak1@gmail.com.
Background:
This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of using different wavelengths and powers of laser on the surface topography of titanium implants, and to investigate their efficacy in removal of the biofilm complex from the implant surface.
Methods:
Ten titanium implants, consisting of five new and five failed implants, were randomized and divided into five separate test groups; (Group 1) Erbium Chromium: Yttrium Scandium Gallium Garnet (Er, Cr: YSGG) 2780 nm, (Group 2) Erbium-doped: Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Er: YAG) 2940 nm, (Group 3) Neodymium-doped: Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd: YAG) 1064 nm, (Group 4) Diode 940 nm, and (Group 5) Diode 445 nm. Each test group consisted of two implants; one new and one failed implant. A total of 160 implant sites were irradiated. Each area was scanned using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) prior to and following laser irradiations. A descriptive analysis was conducted by summarizing the data in terms of frequencies and percentages. Pearson Chi Square test and Fisher's Exact test were used for comparison between different laser type and laser power intensities. The significance level was set at P < .05.
Results:
Within the parameters under investigation, both Er, Cr: YSGG and Er: YAG lasers displayed no to minimal alterations in surface topography across the different power intensities. Nd: YAG and Diode lasers showed more evident alterations at high power intensities; with Nd: YAG resulting the most prominent damage to the implant surface. Regarding efficacy in removal of biofilm, Er, Cr: YSGG and Er: YAG lasers consistently exhibited positive results across all different power intensities under investigation. In comparison, Nd: YAG and Diode lasers showed inferior efficacy in biofilm removal at low power intensities with significant power-dependent improvements.
Conclusions:
Er, Cr: YSGG and Er: YAG lasers present superior implant decontamination potential without causing notable implant surface alterations. Diode (940 nm) laser can be used at low power intensities without causing detrimental effects. Nd: YAG and Diode (445 nm) lasers are able to disrupt the biofilm complex but can induce more evident implant surface damage.
Trial Registration:
This is not a human subject research.
