Impact of a zoledronate coating on early post-surgical implant stability and marginal bone resorption in the maxilla - a split-mouth randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this clinical study was to evaluate the effect of a bisphosphonate coating on a titanium implant on the implant stability quotient (ISQ) and the radiographic marginal bone levels at implants during early healing (2 to 8 weeks).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a randomized double-blind trial with internal controls, 16 patients received a dental implant coated with zoledronate and one uncoated implant as a control. The coated and uncoated implants which were visually indistinguishable were bone level titanium implants with a moderately rough surface and a micro-threaded neck. ISQ values were obtained at insertion and at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Radiographs were obtained at insertion and at 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the difference in ISQ values between the coated implants and the control implants at 4 and 6 weeks, corrected for insertion values. The secondary outcome was loss of marginal bone level from insertion to 8 weeks.

RESULTS: ISQ values remained largely constant over the 8 weeks and there were no significant difference between coated and uncoated implants at any time point. There were 0.12 (SD 0.10) mm marginal bone loss at the control implants and 0.04 (SD 0.08) mm at the coated implants. The difference was 0.17 mm; SD 0.14; p<0.006). On blind qualitative scoring, 13 of the 15 control implants and 2 of 15 coated implants showed small marginal bone defects (p=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS: There were no statistically significant differences observed in ISQ values between the coated and uncoated implants during the early healing. There was less marginal bone loss at the coated implants. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.