title: Anti-infective therapy with an Er:YAG laser: influence on peri-implant healing.
abstract: In addition to conventional treatment modalities (mechanical and chemical), the use of lasers has been increasingly proposed for the treatment of periodontal and peri-implant infections (i.e., cleaning and detoxification of implant surfaces). Preliminary results from basic studies have pointed to the high potential of the Erbium-doped: Yttrium, Aluminum and Garnet (Er:YAG) laser. Furthermore, preliminary clinical data indicate that treatment with this kind of laser may positively influence peri-implant healing. The aim of this research update is to evaluate, based on the currently available evidence, the use of an Er:YAG laser for the treatment of peri-implant infections and to indicate its potential as a new treatment modality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. a.sculean@dent.umcn.nl
authors.forename: Anton
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sculean
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schwarz
authors.forename: Jürgen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Becker
mesh_terms: D015921:Dental Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000528:radiation effects*
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants