The effects of Neodymium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet laser on the Osseotite® surface: An in vitro scanning electron microscope evaluation

Abstract

Background: Recently Nd:YAG laser has been proposed as an option to decontaminate the implant surface. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of laser irradiation on Osseotite implant surfaces using the Nd:YAG laser. Methods: Four 3i Osseotite® implants were used with each implant providing 3 sides for observation. The implants were mounted in jig that moved the surface perpendicularly past a Nd:YAG laser beam. After positioning at 3mm or 10mm a fresh surface was irradiated with either 0.8w, 2w, or 3w delivered through a 360nm fiber optic tip. The specimens were evaluated using SEM microscopy and the surface area of alteration was recorded using Image J software. Results: The results demonstrated that implant surfaces irradiated with Nd:YAG, regardless of distance (3mm, or 10mm) or power setting (0.8-3W), showed alteration of the Osseotite® surface. Repeated ANOVA analysis showed surface alterations were significant with increased power settings, but not to distance (P=0.005). The altered areas on the implants included charring, bluing, loss of surface roughness and in severe cases, melting, blistering and loss of surface layer as viewed by SEM and clinical photos. Conclusion: Regardless of power setting or distance, use of Nd:YAG on the Osseotite® surfaces will produce surface alterations. The implications of these surface alterations on re-osseointegration are not known.