The in vitro efficacy of biofilm removal from titanium surfaces using Er:YAG laser: Comparison of treatment protocols and ablation parameters.

Background: The aims of the present study were to compare the antibacterial effect of Er:YAG laser with other acceptable decontamination methods and to single out the optimal laser device parameters for effective bacterial elimination.

Methods: A multispecies biofilm which was composed of Streptococcus sanguis, Actinomyces naeslundii, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum was grown on sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA, homogeneous moderately microrough, and nanosmooth surface) titanium disks. The biofilm was removed from the coated disks by hand curets, ultrasonic device, nylon brush (dental polishing prophy cup), or Er:YAG.