Er : YAG laser therapy for peri-implant infection: a histological study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Er:YAG laser on degranulation and implant surface debridement in peri-implant infection. The periimplant infection was experimentally induced in dogs, and the treatment was performed using an Er:YAG laser or a plastic curet. Animals were sacrificed after 24 weeks, and undecalcified histological sections were prepared and analyzed. Degranulation and implant surface debridement were obtained effectively and safety by Er:YAG laser. Histologically, a favorable formation of new bone was observed on-the laser-treated implant surface, and the laser group showed a tendency to produce greater bone-to-implant contact than the curet group. These results indicate that the Er:YAG laser therapy has promise in the treatment of peri-implantitis.