Laser-assisted uncovering of dental implants

Introduction: Laser assisted uncovering of dental implants is one of the most interesting aspects of lasers utilization. Compared to conventional scalpel technique, this method provides less bleeding and pain and shorter healing period, leading to a better patient compliance. The objective of this study is to contribute a comprehensive review on laser assisted second-stage of implant surgery. Materials and Methods: We searched Pubmed and Google Scholar databases using combined keyword search or medical subject headings. Eight articles from 2009 to 2019 were identified and assessed. Results: Selected studies were categorized according to variables including amount of pain, need for anesthesia, soft tissue healing, temperature rise and quality of impressions. All the reviewed articles, measuring the amount of required anesthesia, agreed that laser-aided uncovering of implants needs significantly less anesthesia compared to conventional scalpel technique. Laser-assisted uncovering of their implants led to less pain. Ex-vivo studies measuring temperature rise, suggested that application of a non-contact 445nm diode laser reduces the temperature rise significantly. However, Er:YAG lasers proved to generate lower temperature rise. Diode lasers showed no significant amelioration of soft tissue healing whilst Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers revealed superior esthetic results and shorter healing period. Impressions can be taken 4-7 days after the laser-assisted surgery with a satisfactory quality. Conclusion: Laser-assisted uncovering of implants can be selected as an alternative over the conventional scalpel technique. But, further studies are advisable