The Effect of Er:YAG Laser Treatment on Biofilm Formation on Titanium and Zirconia Disc Surfaces
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Periodontology
Abstract
Background:
Lasers represent a promising method for implant decontamination, but evidence on implant surface changes
and subsequent biofilm formation is limited. This study aimed to assess the effect of Er:YAG laser treatment
on zirconia and titanium discs, and the differences in biofilm formation as a result of surface alterations.
Methods:
A two-stage (in vitro and in vivo) experiment utilizing Er:YAG laser on titanium and zirconia discs was
performed. In vitro, surface alterations, roughness, and elemental-material weight differences following
laser treatment were assessed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy
(AFM). In vivo, four participants wore custom-made intra-oral stents, embedded with laser-treated and
untreated titanium and zirconia discs overnight. Biofilm-coated discs were stained using nucleic acid
fluorescence dye and visualized using multiphoton confocal laser scanning microscopy. Biofilm 3D
structure, biomass, thickness, and live-to-dead bacteria ratio were assessed.
Results:
Both titanium (TiZir) and zirconia (YTZP) discs treated with Er:YAG laser resulted in visual surface
alterations, but showed no significant change in average surface roughness (titanium P=0.53, zirconia
P=0.34) or elemental-material-weight (TiZir, P=0.98), (YTZP, P=0.96). No significant differences on
biofilm biomass, average thickness and live-to-dead bacteria ratio of laser-treated titanium and zirconia
discs, were identified compared to untreated groups (titanium P > 0.05, zirconia P >0.05). Generally,
zirconia discs presented with a lower live-to-dead bacteria ratio compared to titanium discs, regardless of
laser treatment.
Conclusion:
Er:YAG laser treatment of titanium and zirconia implant surfaces does not significantly affect surface
roughness, elemental–material weight, and early biofilm formation in the oral cavity.
Description
Keywords
biofilm, dental materials, implantology, lasers, peri-implant disease(s), peri-implantitis