title: Effect of erbium-doped: yttrium, aluminium and garnet laser irradiation on the surface microstructure and roughness of sand-blasted, large grit, acid-etched implants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of erbium-doped: yttrium, aluminium and garnet (Er:YAG) laser irradiation on sand-blasted, large grit, acid-etched (SLA) implant surface microstructure according to varying energy levels and application times of the laser.
  
  
  METHODS
  The implant surface was irradiated by the Er:YAG laser under combined conditions of 100, 140, or 180 mJ/pulse and an application time of 1 minute, 1.5 minutes, or 2 minutes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the surface roughness of the specimens.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All experimental conditions of Er:YAG laser irradiation, except the power setting of 100 mJ/pulse for 1 minute and 1.5 minutes, led to an alteration in the implant surface. SEM evaluation showed a decrease in the surface roughness of the implants. However, the difference was not statistically significant. Alterations of implant surfaces included meltdown and flattening. More extensive alterations were present with increasing laser energy and application time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To ensure no damage to their surfaces, it is recommended that SLA implants be irradiated with an Er:YAG laser below 100 mJ/pulse and 1.5 minutes for detoxifying the implant surfaces.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, Kyung Hee University School of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Ji-Hun
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Young-Hyuk
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.forename: Yeek
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Herr
authors.forename: Seung-Il
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Jong-Hyuk
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Chung