LASER as a tool for surface modification of dental biomaterials: A review

Abstract

In recent years, the application of lasers for modifying the surface topography of dental biomaterials has received increased attention. This review paper aims to provide an overview of the current status on the utilization of lasers as a potential tool for surface modification of dental biomaterials such as implants, ceramics, and other materials used for restorative purposes. A literature search was done for articles related to the use of lasers for surface modification of dental biomaterials in English language published between October 2000 and March 2023 in Scopus, Pubmed and web of science, and relevant articles were reviewed. Lasers have been mainly used for surface modification of implant materials (71%), especially titanium and its alloys, to promote osseointegration. In recent years, laser texturing has also emerged as a promising technique to reduce bacterial adhesion on titanium implant surfaces. Currently, lasers are being widely used for surface modifications to improve osseointegration and reduce peri-implant inflammation of ceramic implants and to enhance the retention of ceramic restorations to the tooth. The studies considered in this review seem to suggest laser texturing to be more proficient than the conventional methods of surface modification. Lasers can alter the surface characteristics of dental biomaterials by creating innovative surface patterns without significantly affecting their bulk properties. With advances in laser technology and availability of newer wavelengths and modes, laser as a tool for surface modification of dental biomaterials is a promising field, with excellent potential for future research.

Keywords: Ceramics; Dental implant; Laser; Osseointegration; Surface pattern; Surface topography.

Graphical abstract

Fig. 1

Application of lasers for surface modification of materials in dentistry in the last 10 years [ [43]–[172] ].

Fig. 2

Number of studies done on surface modification in various fields of dentistry in the last 10 years based upon the studies included in our review [ [43]–[172] ].

Fig. 3

Schematic representation of a conventional laser patterning facility [28,29].

Fig. 4

Heat affected zone (in black) created by nano and pico or femtosecond laser [32].

Fig. 5

SEM image of the substrates after nanosecond and femtosecond laser ablation respectively. Reproduced from Ref. [33] with permission from the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Fig. 6

Different types of implants materials used for surface modification using lasers based upon the studies included in our review [ [43]–[145] ].

Fig. 7

Scanning electron microscopic images of titanium surface modified with picosecond laser and femtosecond lasers. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [60] © The Optical Society.