Using 445 nm and 970 nm Lasers on Dental Implants—An In Vitro Study on Change in Temperature and Surface Alterations

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of using a 445 nm laser on dental implants by comparing it with a laser with 970 nm wavelength. Two models, a pig mandible and glass ionomer cement, were used to evaluate the temperature increase in dental implants during laser irradiation with both wavelengths. Temperature was measured every second at four different places on the dental implants. Different power settings, effects of water cooling, distance of the laser fibre to the dental implant and continuous comparison to a pulsed laser beam were tested. Surface alterations on titanium discs after laser irradiation for 4 min at 2.0 W, were analysed in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The maximum temperature and time to reach each of the thresholds were comparable between the 445 nm and 970 nm lasers. Neither the 445 nm nor the 970 nm wavelength showed any signs of surface alterations on the titanium discs. Using a 445 nm laser on dental implants is as safe as using a 970 nm laser, in terms of temperature increase and surface alterations. Applying a generous amount of cooling water and irradiating in short intervals is important when using lasers on dental implants.