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An in vitro comparative study was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of an air-abrasive system on dental implant surfaces. Eight new titanium dental implants, four standard machined implants (machined group), and four standard plasma-sprayed implants (plasma-sprayed group) were selected for investigation. Both neck and body surfaces of the implants were analyzed. Each pair of implants in each group was treated as follows: the spray of the air-abrasive unit was applied to each area for 5 seconds on the first implant and 15 seconds on the second implant. A total of 24 areas were observed: 16 test implants and 8 controls. Scanning electron photomicrographs were analyzed by 3 examiners using a category rating scale (kappa = 0.594). The images were also computerized for texture analysis. The results indicate that a single air-powder abrasive treatment of the dental implants selected for this study modified their exposed surfaces. After treatment, the threaded neck surface of a machined group implant was least affected, whereas the body was the most altered. In the plasma-sprayed group, comparisons between implant surfaces showed little change. In the machined group, more change was observed in both neck and body areas. In all specimens, a 5-second exposure to the air-powder abrasive did not induce deep changes in the surfaces. A 15-second exposure modified all the specimen surfaces. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of these changes on the biological osseointegration process.

This article defins the laser radiation, compares it with the sunlight and studies its production, describing the general principles of the laser. The different types of lasers are considered as well as their respectives applications which derive from the four ways of tissues interactions: photothermical, photochemical, photophysical and photobiological. A three laser system (CO2 laser, Helium-Neon laser and Argon laser) is proposed to the dental surgeon.

The qualitative and quantitative character of the marginal gingiva is not the only cause of root exposure, as mechanical factors can favorize and/or aggravate gingival recession. Suggested therapy is dependent on patient motivation and the evolution of the lesions. Even though there are multiple possibilities for the treatment of gingival recession, one must remain prudent when restoring areas of root exposure, as no protocol exists today which can assure constant success.