Comparison of implant stability and marginal bone loss between osseodensification and conventional osteotomy at...

Osseodensification (OD) has been proposed to enhance implant stability, but the extent of stability and marginal bone changes is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare implant stability and marginal bone changes between osseodensification and conventional drilling (CD) osteotomy at adjacent implant sites.

Forty partially edentulous patients requiring two adjacent implants (n = 80) were enrolled in this study. Each subject underwent one OD osteotomy and one CD osteotomy at adjacent implant sites in the posterior maxilla or posterior mandible. Insertion torque (IT) was recorded with a torque gauge during surgery. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) was measured using a resonance frequency analyzer immediately and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively, while marginal bone loss (MBL) was calculated from standardized periapical radiographs.

OD showed significantly higher IT and primary ISQ than CD (P < 0.05), especially in the mandible. In the primary ISQ measurements of the maxilla and mandible, OD was 15.52 and 16.24 higher than CD, respectively. MBL in OD was significantly lower than CD in both maxillary and mandibular implants at 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively (P < 0.05). No significant differences were detected in MBL between OD and CD 12 months postoperatively.

Implant stability was significantly higher in OD than in CD, implying the possibility of non-submerged healing or immediate/early provisionalization/loading protocols. MBL was lower in OD than in CD at 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively but was similar at 12 months postoperatively.