Evaluation of bone tissue reaction in laser beamed implants

The purpose of this study was to evaluate alterations and bone tissue response on laser treated implant surfaces (Nd:YAG - 100W). Sixty grade II titanium (ASTM F67) mini-implants (1.5 mm x 4.0 mm) were installed in femurs of 30 Wistar rats. The animals were divided into two groups: thirty mini-implants were machined elements (Machined Group) and the other thirty had laser beamed surfaces (Laser Group). The animals were subdivided into three groups, according to bone healing periods of 15, 30 and 60 days. The samples were analyzed under light, scanning electron and confocal 3D microscopy as well as by EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy) and Student's t test was used for statistical analyses. Light microscopy results showed new bone trabeculae formation toward laser-treated implants at 15 days' bone repair as well as thin layers of osteoid matrix, indicating high biocompatibility. Similar features were observed in the Machined Group but only after 30 days. Bone/implant contact was better evidenced on lasertreated surfaces compared to that on simply machined implants. The only group that demonstrated change in level of significance was the laser-treated group at the 15-day-healing period (p<0.05). Higher oxygen concentration possibly provides more efficient response of osteoblasts during new bone tissue deposition. Implant treated surfaces altered by laser beaming, their composition, surface topography and surface energy may be the future scene in implant dentistry. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.