Erbium:YAG Laser Application in the Second Phase of Implant Surgery: A Pilot Study in 20 Patients

Purpose: Conventional implant dentistry implies 2 surgical stages. In this context, pain is often present in the second stage, despite the fact that it is comparatively less aggressive for the patient. The present pilot study proposes application of Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser for second-stage implant surgery. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients were studied with a total of 50 implants in which osseointegration was complete. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: a control group (10 patients with 25 implants), subjected to conventional second-stage surgery; and a group of 10 subjects (also with 25 implants) treated with the Er:YAG laser at second-stage implant surgery. Results: The use of Er:YAG laser obviated the need for local anesthesia and minimized postoperative pain and time needed before starting the second stage. With regard to surgical duration, quality of hemostasis, and success in implant treatment, no differences were reported. Discussion: In the second stage of implant surgery, different types of laser have been used, taking advantage of their bacteridal effect; disadvantages arise from inducing damage to the implant surface and adverse thermal effects. Conclusion: The advantages afforded by laser treatment include technical simplicity, the possibility of obviating local anesthesia, absence of postoperative pain and edema, and complete tissue healing by day 5, thus facilitating rapid prosthetic rehabilitation. The technique described can be used in all cases except situations where esthetic considerations prevail in anterior areas, or in the event of a lack of keratinized gingiva surrounding the implant.