The Effect of Osseodensification and Conventional Implant Site Preparation on Implant Stability of Tapered and Cylindrical Dental Implants: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Background

Primary stability is a critical factor for dental implant success, especially in areas with poor bone quality. This randomized controlled clinical study aimed to evaluate the impact of 2 different osteotomy preparation techniques: osseodensification (OD) and conventional drilling, combined with 2 different implant macrogeometries (tapered and cylindrical), on implant stability in low bone density regions.

Methods

The study involved 20 patients who received 36 dental implants in the maxilla or mandible. Sites were randomly allocated into 4 groups based on preparation technique (conventional versus OD) and implant design (tapered versus cylindrical). Primary stability and insertion torque (IT) were recorded postinsertion immediately. Secondary stability was assessed at 12 weeks using resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Preoperative CBCT was utilized to evaluate bone density and alveolar dimensions.

Results

Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between the groups regarding primary stability (P=0.935), insertion torque (P=0.784), and secondary stability (P=0.136), despite the implants placed using the OD technique demonstrating higher primary stability compared with conventional drilling. In addition, tapered implants showed a more pronounced increase in stability than cylindrical designs under the same preparation conditions.

Conclusions

Neither the choice of drilling technique nor the implant macrogeometry significantly influences insertion torque or stability levels in regions of low bone density. All tested combinations provided comparable and satisfactory clinical outcomes.