title: Implant Surface Temperature Changes during Er:YAG Laser Irradiation with Different Cooling Systems.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Peri-implantitis is one of the most common reasons for implant failure. Decontamination of infected implant surfaces can be achieved effectively by laser irradiation; although the associated thermal rise may cause irreversible bone damage and lead to implant loss. Temperature increments of over 10ºC during laser application may suffice for irreversible bone damage.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the temperature increment of implant surface during Er:YAG laser irradiation with different cooling systems.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three implants were placed in a resected block of sheep mandible and irradiated with Er:YAG laser with 3 different cooling systems namely water and air spray, air spray alone and no water or air spray. Temperature changes of the implant surface were monitored during laser irradiation with a K-type thermocouple at the apical area of the fixture.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all 3 groups, the maximum temperature rise was lower than 10°C. Temperature changes were significantly different with different cooling systems used (P<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on the results, no thermal damage was observed during implant surface decontamination by Er:YAG laser with and without refrigeration. Thus, Er:YAG laser irradiation can be a safe method for treatment of periimplantitis.
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Laser Research Center of Dentistry (LRCD), School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Abbas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Monzavi
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Laser Research Center of Dentistry (LRCD), School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Sima
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shahabi
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Laser Research Center in Medical Sciences (LRCMS), AJA University of Medical Sciences-Laser Research Center of Dentistry (LRCD), School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Reza
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fekrazad
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate student, department of endodontics, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Roohollah
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Behruzi
authors.affiliation: PhD Candidate of Laser Dentistry, Laser Research Center of Dentistry (LRCD), School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Nasim
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Chiniforush
keywords: Dental implants; Laser irradiation; Peri-implantitis; Temperature changes