Dental implant surface morphology, chemical composition, and topography following double wavelength (2780/940 nm) laser irradiation. An in vitro study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate morphology alterations, chemical composition, and topography of moderately rough dental implants following double‐wavelength laser irradiation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Commercial‐grade titanium dental implants representing different surface characteristics (Osseospeed [OS], TiUnite [TiU], and Roxolid SLActive [RS]) were used. Laser irradiation was performed using a computer‐controlled robotic device with calibrated energy/power settings and deionized water spray. Micro‐, nano‐morphology surface alterations, chemical composition, and surface topography (S (a), S (ds), S (dr)) in the test group (laser plus water), control group A (water only), and control group B (no treatment) were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), and white light laser profilometer (Interferometry). RESULTS: SEM‐evaluation revealed minor between‐group differences in micro‐ and nano‐morphology within each implant system. Significant overall differences in surface element content were observed between the test and control group B for all implant systems (p < .05). For the test compared with control group B, statistically significantly higher oxygen content was detected for OS and RS (p < .05), a corresponding significant difference was detected for carbon for TiU (p < .05). For RS, a significantly lower content of titanium and zirconium was detected within the test group (p < .05). A significant difference in topography between test and control group B was observed for OS (S (a): p = .039 and S (dr): p = .041) with the highest roughness value for control group B. CONCLUSIONS: Altered chemical composition and surface topography were observed for all implant surfaces compared with untreated control following double wavelength laser irradiation. A clinical evaluation of the impact of the altered surface composition following double wavelength laser irradiation on the ability to reosseointegrate appears warranted.