Lasers in Surgical Therapy of Peri-implantitis

Similar to periodontitis, surgical therapy of peri-implantitis includes both regenerative and resective approaches. Whether the treatment is non-surgical therapy, or surgical therapy, the goal in treating peri-implantitis is to disinfect the implant surface. This chapter reviews the characteristics of various laser wavelengths available in dentistry and discusses their effects on current evidence on interactions with titanium implant surfaces and treatment in peri-implantitis. When evaluating the potential and use of diode lasers in peri-implantitis, it is important to consider the method utilized and the combination of initiated versus non-initiated tip in addition to the wavelength. The erbium lasers are capable of effectively removing calcified deposits and plaque on micro structured surfaces when compared to conventional mechanical methods. Photodynamic therapy is an emerging adjunctive therapy utilized to detoxify implant surfaces. It involves the use of a photosensitizer in conjunction with laser light and oxygen.