LASER-ASSISTED MAINTENANCE CARE OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

Assoc. Prof. Georgi T. Tomov, PhD

As implant treatment becomes part of mainstream dental therapy, dental offices should implement protocols for individualized, systematic and continuous supportive care of the peri - implant tissues. Although professional hygiene and daily self - care have been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and probing depths in peri - mucositis and peri - implantitis, challenges associated with deeper pockets, bone defects and implant morphology decrease the effectiveness of traditional peri - implantitis therapy. Additionally, once exposed to the oral environment the implant roughness provides a favorable surface for bacteria colonization. When GBR is indicated around an implant, it is extremely difficult to remove effectively the biofilm with traditional methods without damaging the implant surface. New modalities such as lasers have been advocated to overcome the existing limitations. Several types of lasers are used in the maintenance and treatment of peri - implant diseases: Diodes, Nd: YAG, Er: YAG, ErCr: YSGG and CO2 lasers The lecture outlines a standardized, evidence -based assessment of implant patients and suggests a laser - assisted protocols to assist practitioners in the maintenance care of dental implants. The educational objective of the lecture is to summarize the advantages and current clinical applications of diode and Er: YAG lasers in supportive care of the peri -implant tissues (as a monotherapy or as an adjunct to traditional methods). The lecture is illustrated with author’s scientific studies (morphological, microbiological etc.) and relevant clinical cases.