Bone density around endosseous implants in patients taking alendronate: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Oral Surgery
• Biomaterials Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Bone mineral density (BMD) is crucial for dental implant success.
• Aminobisphosphonates, like alendronate, are used to treat bone loss but may affect osseointegration.
• Noninvasive methods are needed to assess BMD changes around implants during bisphosphonate therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To noninvasively evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) changes around endosseous implants in patients taking oral alendronate.
• To compare BMD in patients receiving alendronate versus placebo.
• To investigate the effect of alendronate timing and duration on peri-implant BMD.

Main Methods:

• A blind, randomized, controlled pilot study involving male patients (mean age 62) undergoing dental implant placement.
• Computed tomography (CT) scans were used to measure BMD (Hounsfield units) at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months.
• Participants were randomized to receive weekly alendronate (70 mg) or placebo for 6 months, starting either at implant placement or after osseointegration.

Main Results:

• A decreasing trend in peri-implant BMD was observed when alendronate was administered for 6 months starting at implant placement.
• A less pronounced decrease in BMD was noted when alendronate was given after successful osseointegration.
• A trend towards BMD rebound occurred after discontinuing alendronate for 6 months.

Conclusions:

• Alendronate administration may influence peri-implant bone mineral density around dental implants.
• The timing of alendronate initiation relative to implant placement may affect its impact on BMD.
• Further research is warranted to understand the long-term effects and clinical implications of bisphosphonates on dental implant osseointegration.