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Laser-Lok microchannels are a series of precision-engineered 8 and 12 micron grooves on the collar of dental implants. This patented laser surface is unique within the industry as the only surface treatment shown to attach and retain both hard and soft tissue.

Laser-Lok microchannels are the result of over 15 years of research and documented studies at leading Universities. As part of the research, numerous in vitro, animal and human studies were conducted to (1) understand how bone and soft tissue cells react to various types of surface geometries and (2) evaluate how specific surface microgeometries affect crestal bone and the biologic width around dental implants.

In vitro Research
Cellular activity was studied on a variety of surface finishes including smooth, roughened and specifically engineered microgeometries. The engineered microgeometries were designed in a variety of repeating patterns and in a number of different sizes. Through various cell model designs, it was shown that a linear grooved pattern in the range of 8 to 12 microns was optimal for inhibiting cell growth,¹ maximizing cellular contact guidance² and providing a directed tissue response.³

In vivo Validation
A series of animal studies (rabbit and canine) were conducted in both an implantable chamber model (intended to assess biologic response) and a dental model to assess the differences in tissue response to an engineered microgeometry versus a machined surface (control). Through these studies, it was shown that a microchannel pattern of 8 and 12 microns improved soft tissue integration,⁴ controlled cell ingrowth,⁵ increased bone and tissue attachment⁶ and reduced bone loss.⁷

Clinical Evidence
To evaluate how dental implants treated with the Laser-Lok microchannels benefit patients, a series of human histologic case studies and prospective controlled studies have been conducted. In a prospective, controlled multi-center study conducted by the Group for Implant Research in Italy, it was shown that, at 37 months post-op, the mean crestal bone loss for implants with Laser-Lok microchannels was only 0.59mm versus 1.94mm for the control implant. The Laser-Lok treated implants form a stable soft tissue seal above the crestal bone.⁸ Similarly, a prospective, randomized study has been initiated comparing an implant with Laser-Lok microchannels to the 3i Osseotite® NT implant and the Nobel-Biocare Select. This study is evaluating the peri-implant bone and soft tissue complex in patients at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months post-restoration.