Salvaging Implants With an Nd:YAG Laser: A Novel Approach to a Growing Problem.

As the incidence of implant placement expands, so too does the occurrence of implant-related pathological conditions such as peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. This article will discuss implementation of a laser protocol that serves as a treatment modality designed specifically to help save ailing and failing implants. This multi-stage approach incorporates application of laser energy from a particular Nd:YAG laser with variable pulse width. This laser wavelength has demonstrated a variety of capabilities that may contribute to its clinical effectiveness. Representative long-term results of this treatment method are described, and a case depicting the protocol is presented.