Evaluation of the safety of the carbon dioxide laser used in conjunction with root form implants: a pilot study

This in vitro study was designed to test the safety of the CO2 laser when used around two different types of implant surfaces, hydroxyapatite-coated and commercially pure titanium, in a pig mandible. The implants were subjected to specific amounts of laser energy and then evaluated for temperature change at five different sites. The CO2 laser, when used at clinically applicable power densities of 2 and 4 watts in a continuous mode for up to 4 seconds, did not cause a temperature change in excess of 7 degrees F.