Heat generation by superpulsed CO2 lasers on plasma-sprayed titanium implants: an in vitro study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to record the generation of heat in selected titanium implants while exposing them to a superpulsed CO(2) laser mode. These results can be compared with previous studies in which continuous and pulsed CO(2) laser modes were used.


METHODS
Titanium implants with cover screws were used in this study. The length of exposure time ranged from 2 to 15 seconds, and the wattage ranged from 3 to 15 W. A thermocoupler with a module recorder was used to record temperature changes at the implant-cover screw interface with the implant in a 37 degrees C water bath. Temperature changes were documented during the exposure phase, as well as after termination of the exposure. Statistical analysis consisted of analysis of variance (P <.05) for statistically significant differences among the exposure time-wattage pairs.


RESULTS
Temperature increases were directly related to wattage and exposure time. All temperatures returned to baseline within 1 minute.


CONCLUSIONS
Superpulsed CO(2) lasers generate significantly less heat with the 15-second, 15-W trial as compared with continuous and pulsed laser modes. Peak temperature increases with similar exposure and wattage times are comparable to those of the pulsed-laser mode.
Wooten
C A
CA
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City 73190, USA.
Sullivan
S M
SM
Surpure
S
S
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D015921:Dental Implants; D005881:Gingiva / Q000601:surgery; D006358:Hot Temperature; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers; D016348:Osseointegration; D013997:Time Factors; D014025:Titanium
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D015921:Dental Implants; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D014025:Titanium