Simvastatin Effects on Dental Socket Quality: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND: The shrinkage of the alveolar ridge might be minimized by the ridge preservation stages and applied alloplasts, after tooth extraction. According to studies on statins, angiogenesis and osteogenesis are observed as a topical application of these drugs. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to the application of simvastatin in terms of bone regeneration of the alveolar ridge after tooth extraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study assessed this issue through the split-mouth method which assessed 10 dental sockets filled with simvastatin and collagen and 10 others filled just by collagen postextraction. The histological process of bone samples was observed under light microscope after 2 months at the time of fixture insertion to evaluate live and dead bone, trabecular, amorphous, and nonosteoblastic. The statistical analysis was assessed using Mann–Whitney U-test and level of significance was considered <0.05. RESULTS: Normal bone was detected in both groups. In simvastatin group, the percentages of vital bone, amorphous, and trabecular bone were more than the other group and the percentages of dead bone and nonosteoblastic were lower, although there was no significant difference in the results. CONCLUSION: Based on study results, simvastatin possibly can improve the quality of osteogenesis in the jaw bone; however, further studies are necessary to definitively result.