The effect of osseodensification on implant stability and bone density: A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of implant site preparation in low-density bone using osseodensification method in terms of implant stability changes during the osseous healing period and peri-implant bone density using CBCT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective observational clinical study included 24 patients who received 46 dental implants that were installed in low-density bone using the osseodensification method. CBCT was used to measure the bone density pre- and postoperatively and implant stability was measured using Periotest® immediately after implant insertion and then after 6 weeks and 12 weeks postoperatively. The data were analyzed using paired t-test and the probability value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 46 implants, 43 were osseointegrated making the early survival of the implants 93.5%. There was a significant increase in bone density postoperatively; 337.6 ±182.9 compared to 265.3 ±173.9 Hounsfield units preoperatively. The primary implant stability was -2.7 ± 2.13 Periotest values (PTV), at the 6th week it decreased significantly (p<0.0001) to become 0.7 (± 4) PTV, and at the 12th week (secondary stability) it increased significantly (p<0.0001) to become -2.1 (± 2.8) PTV. The difference between primary and secondary stability was statistically non-significant (p=0.0814). CONCLUSIONS: Osseodensification resulted in high primary stability and increased peri-implant bone density but it did not prevent the implant stability drop during the first 6 weeks after insertion of implants. Key words:Osseodensification, implant stability, low-density bone.