Background:Osseodensification has been introduced as a novel method for osteotomy preparation for dental implants allowing for low plastic deformation of bone using universally compatible densifying burs.
Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Osseodensification using Densah™ and conventional drilling on the supporting structures of the posterior maxilla in implant-retained partial dentures.
Methodology:Split-mouth study where eight patients with Kennedy Class I maxillae were selected to each receive an implant on the right side using osseodensification (Group I) and one on the left side using conventional drilling (Group II). The second stage was started after 16 weeks and partial dentures retained by ball abutments were constructed. Serial, standardized digital periapical radiographs were taken at 6 and 12 months to assess marginal bone height.
Results:Six months after prosthetic loading, the mean amount of the measured marginal bone height changes was found to be 0.675±0.089mm and 0.7625±0.206mm for group I and group II, respectively. From six to twelve months after loading, the mean amount of the measured marginal bone height changes was found to be 0.475±0.167mm and 0.65±0.207mm for group I and group II, respectively. Twelve months after loading, the mean amount of the measured marginal bone height changes was found to be 1.15±0.239mm and 1.4125±0.253mm for group I and group II, respectively. The difference between the two groups was found to be not statistically significant p<0.05.
Conclusion:Although osseodensification showed better results regarding bone height changes around dental implants than the conventional technique, both drilling techniques are reliable for creating osteotomies for implants.