In vitro evaluation of surface change and roughness using erbium laser and various methods in implants lost due to peri-implantitis

The aim of our study was to obtain similar surface properties and element composition to virgin implants after debridement of contaminated implant surfaces covered with debris. Er: YAG laser, Er, Cr: YSGG laser, curette, and ultrasonic device were applied to contaminated implant surfaces. Before and after the debridement, SEM images were taken, the elemental profile of the surfaces was evaluated with EDS, and the surface roughness was analyzed with a profilometer. A total of 30 implants were examined, including 4 implants removed previously due to peri-implantitis in each intervention group and 2 virgin implants in the control group. Interventions were applied in 7 groups for 120 seconds, including titanium curette group, ultrasonic scaler with PEEK tip, Er: YAG very short pulse laser group (100μs, 120 mJ / pulse 10Hz), Er: YAG short-pulse laser group (300μs, 120 mJ / pulse, 10Hz), Er: YAG long-pulse laser group (600μs, 120 mJ / pulse, 10Hz), Er, Cr: YSGG1 laser group (1W 10Hz), Er, Cr: YSGG2 laser group (1.5W, 30Hz). After debridement, the Implant Debridement Visual Index (IDVI) was used, to evaluate the implant surface properties of SEM images. According to the IDVI and EDS data, Er: YAG and ultrasonic groups were found the most effective for debridement. When SEM images and EDS findings are evaluated together, Er:YAG long-pulse and ultrasonic groups have shown the closest topography -the typical honeycomb appearance- of the SLA surface as seen on virgin implants, and debris was removed without damaging the surface. Although the Er:YAG very short-pulsed laser group was better in the debridement of contaminated implant surfaces, undesirable surface changes were observed. Slight surface changes were also observed in the Er:YAG short-pulse laser group.