Effect of Osseodensification on Bone Density and Crestal Bone Levels: A Split-mouth Study

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dental Implantology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Dental implants are a common prosthetic solution for oral rehabilitation, relying on osseointegration for success.
• Low bone density poses challenges to achieving adequate bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and osseointegration.
• Conventional osteotomy techniques for low-density bone can cause trauma and are difficult to control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of osseodensification in improving bone density and width around dental implants in low-density bone.
• To compare osseodensification with conventional osteotomy techniques regarding bone response and implant stability.

Main Methods:

• A split-mouth study involving 10 patients with bilateral implants in the maxillary posterior region.
• One side received implants via sequential osteotomy; the other side used osseodensification with Densah™ burs.
• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used for pre-operative, immediate post-operative, and 3- and 6-month follow-ups to measure bone density and crestal bone levels.

Main Results:

• Osseodensification significantly increased radiographic bone density adjacent to the implant.
• Bone width at the osteotomy site increased after osseodensification and was maintained at 3 and 6 months.
• No statistical difference in crestal bone levels was observed between the two techniques.

Conclusions:

• Osseodensification enhances bone density around dental implants, promoting primary stability and facilitating osseointegration.
• The bone expansion and sustained density achieved with osseodensification are beneficial for implant success in compromised bone quality.
• Osseodensification presents a viable alternative to conventional osteotomy for improving implant outcomes in low-density bone.