Oral bisphosphonates and dental implants: a retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Oral surgery
• Dental implantology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Bisphosphonates (BPs) are commonly prescribed for osteoporosis and other bone conditions.
• Concerns exist regarding the potential impact of BPs on bone healing and osseointegration.
• Understanding BP effects is crucial for managing patients undergoing oral bone augmentation and implant procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the risk of oral bone graft and endosseous implant failure in patients using bisphosphonate (BP) medications.
• To compare implant success rates and complications in BP users versus non-users.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 42 patients (101 implants) who received oral bone grafts or endosseous implants after taking BPs.
• Patient medication history (6 months to 11 years of BP use) and follow-up examinations were reviewed.
• Outcomes assessed included implant loss, periodontal parameters, ridge height, and osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Main Results:

• A 95% implant success rate was observed in patients taking BPs.
• This success rate is comparable to the operator's typical success rate of 96.5%.
• No instances of osteonecrosis of the jaw were reported in the study cohort.

Conclusions:

• Oral bisphosphonate use does not appear to increase the risk of dental implant or bone graft failure.
• Patients on oral BPs can undergo oral surgery and implant placement with outcomes similar to the general patient population.
• Further research may explore long-term effects and specific BP drug classes.