Effect of Locally Applied Simvastatin Gel on Dental Implant Stability and Marginal Bone Level

Overview

stability and marginal bone level. Forty-two patients received dental implants and were randomly assigned to two groups. In the test group, 1.2% simvastatin in 4% methylcellulose gel was applied around the implant, while in the control group, methylcellulose gel alone was used. Implant stability was measured using resonance frequency analysis at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks. Marginal bone level was assessed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) at baseline and 16 weeks. The aim of the study was to investigate whether local application of simvastatin enhances osseointegration and reduces marginal bone loss compared to the control treatment.

ental implant stability is a key factor for the long-term success of implant therapy. Stability depends initially on primary mechanical fixation and later on secondary biological osseointegration. Various pharmacological agents have been suggested to promote bone formation around implants, including statins. Statins, primarily used as lipid-lowering agents, also demonstrate pleiotropic effects, such as stimulating bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) expression and enhancing osteoblastic differentiation. This randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was designed to evaluate the effect of locally applied simvastatin gel on implant stability and marginal bone level. A total of 42 patients requiring single dental implants were enrolled. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Simvastatin group (test): Implants placed with local application of 1.2% simvastatin in 4% methylcellulose gel. Control group: Implants placed with local application of 4% methylcellulose gel only. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) values were recorded at the time of implant placement (baseline), at 8 weeks, and at 16 weeks using resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were performed immediately after implant placement and at 16 weeks to measure marginal bone level changes at buccal, mesial, and distal aspects. The primary outcome measure was implant stability, while the secondary outcome measure was marginal bone level change. The study aimed to test the hypothesis that local simvastatin application would enhance peri-implant bone healing, increase stability, and reduce marginal bone loss compared to the control group. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee, College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad, and all participants provided written informed consent before enrollment.