Impact of Alendronate Gel on Bone Density in Immediately Loaded Dental Implants: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Purpose: Scientific researches have focused attention on accelerating osseointegration around dental implants to increase their success rate. Accordingly, many materials and techniques have been developed to optimize bone remodeling, especially in immediately loaded implants. This clinical study aimed to investigate the impact of topical application of alendronate gel 1% on bone density around immediately loaded dental implants. Materials and Methods: Twenty dental implants were inserted in 16 patients. Cases were divided randomly into two equal groups; Group I (study group): 10 implants were placed after injection of alendronate gel 1% in the drilling sites. Group II (control group): 10 implants were placed immediately after drilling; no material was applied to their osteotomy sites. All implants were loaded immediately within 24-72 hours. In each implant recipient sit, bone density was determined pre-operatively using cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT), then re-evaluated after six months of implant placement and loading. Results: The mean bone density pre-operatively for Group I and Group II were 557.30±132.06 HU and 567.62±110.72 HU respectively. After six months, the corresponding values were 852.03±176.43 HU and 670.11±117.71 HU respectively, indicating a statistically significant difference in bone density (P= 0.014) between both groups. Conclusion: Topical application of sodium alendronate gel increases bone density around dental implants, which can increase the success rate of immediately loaded implants.