Clinical Outcomes and MMP-8 Levels of Adjunctive Er,cr:ysgg Laser Therapy in Peri-Implantitis Treatment

Background: Peri-implantitis, a common inflammatory condition surrounding dental implants, results in implant failure without management. The classical mechanical debridement described previously is unlikely to respond to microbial recolonization or tissue inflammation. Various treatment modalities are also available including a 2780 nm Er,Cr:YSGG laser which seems to work on disease management and clinical outcome, with their specific targeting of biofilms and modification of the inflammatory response. To evaluate the combined effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser and mechanical debridement on the clinical outcome and MMP-8 levels associated with treatment of peri-implantitis. Methods: Forty subjects with peri-implantitis were randomly allocated to one of two groups: control (mechanical debridement alone) and the test (mechanical debridement and laser therapy). Clinical markers were assessed at baseline and within 3 months for plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), pocket depth in peri-implant (PPD), and crestal bone loss (CBL), along with MMP-8. Statistical investigations included paired and independent t-tests up to p < 0.05 in significance. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in PI, GI, and PPD (p = 0.000) after three months. However, the test group exhibited superior reductions in PI (0.34 ± 0.10 vs. 1.31 ± 0.19), GI (0.31 ± 0.07 vs. 1.43 ± 0.18), and PPD (1.84 ± 0.46 vs. 2.89 ± 0.14). MMP-8 levels also decreased significantly in the test group (1.31 ± 0.36 vs. 2.20 ± 0.18, p = 0.000). Crestal bone loss remained stable across groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The adjunctive use of the Er,Cr:YSGG laser significantly enhanced clinical outcomes and reduced inflammatory markers in peri-implantitis treatment. This approach holds promise as an effective adjunctive therapy in clinical practice.