High-Level Laser Therapy in Implant Dentistry: Clinical Applications and Future Innovations

Resumo

To conduct a critical review of the clinical applications, advantages, limitations, and future perspectives of high-power laser use in contemporary implant dentistry. A scoping review with integrative characteristics was carried out, based on 32 studies published between 2000 and 2025, selected from the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO databases. The search strategy employed specific descriptors combined with Boolean operators, following criteria adapted from the PRISMA protocol. The Er:YAG laser proved effective in performing osteotomies and decontaminating implant surfaces without causing thermal damage, thereby favoring osseointegration. The Nd:YAG laser stood out in the decontamination of areas affected by peri-implantitis due to its potent antimicrobial action. Photobiomodulation and photodynamic therapy demonstrated promising effects, with regenerative potential and anti-inflammatory properties. The integration of these laser technologies with digital resources has enhanced the precision and predictability of clinical procedures. However, the lack of standardization of clinical parameters and the high cost of equipment remains barriers to widespread implementation. The use of high-power lasers represents a significant advancement in implant dentistry, enabling safer, more effective, and more predictable treatments. Despite the observed clinical advantages, its consolidation in routine practice requires professional training, standardized protocols, and further long-term clinical studies. The incorporation of digital technologies and novel regenerative approaches is expected to progressively expand the role of lasers in modern dental practice.