Wonders of Laser-Lok

Background: Laser-Lok microchannel is a proprietary dental implant surface treatment. Laser-Lok surface has been shown to elicit a biologic response that includes the inhibition of epithelial downgrowth and the attachment of connective tissue .This physical attachment produces a biologic seal around the implant that protects and maintains crestal bone health. Aims and objectives: To assess crestal bone levels of laser lok implants versus identical non treated implants Materials and Method: A total of 20 implants, 10 tapered Laser-Lok with micro collar implants (Group A) and 10 identical non treated implants (Group B), placed in the mandible were assessed for crestal bone loss after placement of implant immediately and after 3 months using radiographs with Schie's radiographic grid 1 x 1 mm. The distance from top of the implant to the first implant bone contact was measured. Statistical analysis: Paired t test and wilcoxon sign test were done for inter and intra group analysis. P value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The baseline change in the bone levels didn't differ significantly between group A and Group B. But a statistically significant difference was observed in the mean crestal bone loss (p0.05) around Laser-Lok implants (1.6 mm) as compared to non treated implants (2.19 mm) as observed after 3 months. Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that the crestal bone loss around Laser-Lok implants is significantly lesser than around non treated implant surface. Clinically this may contribute to lesser than around non treated implant surface. Clinically this may contribute to lesser peri-implant tissue breakdown. However further studies with larger sample size and longer follow up time are essential. Keywords: implant, laser-lok, microchannels, crestal bone, bone implant contact, connective tissue