Correlation between Alveolar Bone Density and Dental Implant Stability

Objectives: The gold standard of dental implant stability quantification, histomorphometric test, is invasive and hence inapplicable to clinical patients. Consequently, finding accurate and objective alternative methods is called for. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and digital radiographic analysis are noninvasive methods with excellent objectivity and reproducibility. Hence this study is to analyze the correlation between alveolar bone density by digital radiographic analysis and dental implant stability by RFA method.
Methods: On 35 samples, digital radiographic image was obtained and dental implant stability quotient was acquired by Osstell ISQ right after dental implant placement and on third-month follow-up. Alveolar bone density was subsequently analyzed using SIDEXIS-XG software. The correlation between alveolar bone density and dental implant stability was analyzed using Spearman test. Alteration in alveolar bone density and dental implant stability during healing period were analyzed using paired t-test and Wilcoxon test respectively.
Results: No significant correlation was reported between alveolar bone density and dental implant stability (r = - 0,102 at baseline dan r = 0,146 on follow-up, p > 0,05). However, significant difference was observed for alveolar bone density and dental implant stability alteration throughout healing period (p = 0,005 and p = 0,000 respectively).
Conclusions: Digital dental radiographs and Ostell ISQ displayed excellent objectivity and reproducibility in quantifying dental implant stability. Nonetheless, no significant correlation was observed between results obtained using those methods.