Effect of 940 nm Diode Laser as an Adjunct to Mechanical Debridement on S100A8 Levels and Clinical Parameters in Peri-Implantitis Treatment

This study included 39 functional implants in patients aged 30-65 diagnosed with peri-implantitis (PD ≥6 mm, no clinical mobility). Participants were assigned to three groups (n=13 per group) using simple randomization (coin toss) performed by an independent researcher: Group 1 (Mechanical debridement only), Group 2 (940 nm diode laser monotherapy), and Group 3 (Combined mechanical debridement and diode laser). Exclusion criteria consisted of systemic diseases, smoking or alcohol consumption, pregnancy/lactation, parafunctional habits, and recent use of antibiotics (within 6 months) or peri-implant treatment (within 3 months). At baseline, clinical parameters were recorded and peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) samples were collected. Specifically, probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured at 6 sites per implant, while the modified plaque index (mPI) and gingival index (GI) were assessed at 4 sites per implant.

Prior to PISF sampling, supragingival plaque was removed using sterile curettes, and the area was isolated and air-dried. Samples were collected from mesial and distal sites using paper strips (Ora Flow) inserted 1 mm into the sulcus for 30 seconds; contaminated strips were discarded. PISF volume was measured in microliters using a Periotron 8000 device, and samples were stored at -80°C until analysis. Treatment protocols included: mechanical debridement with titanium curettes for Group 1; decontamination using a 940 nm diode laser (2.5 W, CP2 mode, 400 μm fiber tip) for 30 seconds for Group 2; and a sequential combination of both treatments for Group 3. Following treatment, all pockets were irrigated with 10% povidone-iodine. Clinical parameters and PISF samples were evaluated at baseline (T0), week 4 (T1), and week 12 (T2). For biochemical analysis, S100A8 levels were determined via ELISA at 450 nm and calculated as ng/mL using a standard curve.