In Vivo Evaluation of Osseodensification Drilling and Osteotome Ridge Expansion

Objectives:
The aim of this in vivo study is to evaluate the osseointegration of endosteal implants placed in ridges expanded through osseodensification drilling and osteotome site preparation in a porcine model.
Methods:
Endosteal root-form implants were placed in pig mandibles that presented horizontal deficient alveolar ridge due to prior extraction of premolars (8 weeks healing). Implants were placed with the additive osseodensification drilling technique versus osteotome site preparation. After 4 weeks of healing, samples were retrieved for histologic quantitative analysis via Bone-to-Implant Contact (BIC%) and Bone Area Fraction Occupancy (BAFO%).
Results:
BIC% levels were significantly higher in the additive osseodensification drilling implant group. BAFO% data between the two implant groups showed comparable levels of bone growth in proximity with the implants from both groups. Histomorphologic evaluation revealed no extensive remodeling or necrotic bone around implants from both groups.
Conclusions:
Osseodensification drilling technique resulted in higher levels of %BIC compared to osteotome preparation. The absence of negative effects on osseointegration along with a significant increase in an osseointegration indicator suggests that osseodensification is a potentially beneficial site preparation technique in alveolar ridge expansion.