Comparison of Osseointegration in Novel Laser-Textured and SLA Implants

BACKGROUND: Osseointegration is defined as the direct structural and functional connection between neo-formed bone and dental implants. Among the parameters suggested to predominantly influencing the establishment of a successful osseointegration is the quality of the implant surface, which may enhance the strength and speed of this biomechanical process. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of a novel laser-treated surface, compared to sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) surfaces, to enhance and accelerate implant integration in delayed implant placement.Methods: Thirty patients with two missing posterior teeth were enrolled in this study. Each patient received, at a randomly allocated site, an implant with a conventional SLA surface, and at a second site, an implant with laser-textured surface. A total of 60 tissue-level implants were subsequently placed. Implant stability (ISQ) was measured using resonance frequency analysis (RFA). ISQ was assessed at baseline (T0), 8 weeks (T1), and 12 weeks (T2) following implant placement. Results: There was a statistical difference in implant stability between laser-textured and SLA group at 12 weeks postoperatively. Implant stabilization showed a successful osseointegration with both surface types. CONCLUSION: Both laser and SLA surface treatments had positive impacts on implant stabilization following delayed placement. Laser-treated surfaces presented higher values of osseointegration at 3 months postoperatively.