Traditionally, uncovery of dental implants utilizes a scalpel blade or tissue punch to incise through the soft tissue, which exposes the cover screw of the implant. Unfortunately, this traditional technique can cause post-operative discomfort and bleeding.
One alternative to using a scalpel for uncovery includes electrosurgery, which decreases post-operative discomfort and bleeding by cauterizing tissue. However, it can potentially elevate the temperature around the implant, resulting in bone loss.
A laser is another option for uncovery and is used for procedures such as soft-tissue crown lengthening, troughing, gingivectomy, and esthetic recontouring. The laser is ideal for implant uncovery and tissue modification around implants because there is little to no bleeding and reduces post-op pain.
This step-by-step visual essay shows how to use a laser for implant uncovery.
This is a simple, step-by-step technique using the laser for implant uncover. An advantage to using a laser is that the impression can be made immediately after the uncovery and post-operative discomfort and bleeding are minimized.
Ricardo Mitrani, D.D.S., M.S.D., is a member of Spear Resident Faculty.