EFFECTS OF THE ER,CR:YSGG LASER ON BONE BED PREPARATION WITH VARIOUS LASER TIPS

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Preparation of implant beds with lasers is considered a safe and reliable method, but the accuracy of this technique has not been examined. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of implant bed preparation using an Er,Cr:YSGG laser. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An Er,Cr:YSGG laser was applied to pig rib bone. The laser was employed at a 5.75 W power setting, 30 Hz/sec pulse repetition, and 70 ${\mu}s$ pulse duration with 50 % water and 60% air spray. According to laser tips the groups were divided as follows; Group 1: paralleled - shaped sapphire tip (0.6 mm${\Phi}$), Group 2: paralleled - shaped zirconia tip (0.6 mm${\Phi}$), Group 3: tapered sapphire tip (0.4 mm${\Phi}$). The Er,Cr:YSGG laser tip was separated by 1 mm from the bone and applied for 15 seconds in a non-contact mode. After the application, the bone was sectioned for specimens. Histologic measurements were determined by computerized morphometry. The length of the prepared bone surface was measured and the width of the entrance was measured. The results were analyzed with one-way ANOVA (P<0.05). RESULTS: The prepared length of group 3 was longer than that of group 2. The prepared bone width was larger than the width of the laser tip in every group. Additional bone removal was observed adjacent to the prepared area and displayed an irregular surface. CONCLUSION & DISCUSSION: Different cutting effects were observed according to the laser tip, emphasizing the importance of proper tip selection in the clinical setting. This preliminary study supported the existence of hydrokinetic effects.