The effect of low intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy on osseointegration and marginal bone loss around dental implants

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) on marginal bone loss and osseointegration of dental implant using Cone Beam CT (CBCT) image analysis, torque wrench and Resonance Frequency Analysis (RFA) techniques. The study sample comprised of 22 patients; who were divided randomly into two equal groups (n=11). Each patient received one dental implant placed in the maxillary premolar region. Following first stage implant surgery, in Group I, LIPUS was delivered to the implant operation site for 10 weeks before loading and for another 10 weeks post loading, while in control Group II, the implant wound was allowed to heal in the conventional way. The patients in both groups were followed up at 3 months and 6 months using clinical and radiological assessments that comprised of CBCT image analysis, Torque wrench and RFA values. The peri-implant bone height and width were measured and compared at three different views (coronal, sagittal and axial) using CBCT at day 0, 3 months and 6 months. Statistical analysis using repeated measure ANOVA with significance level of p<0.05 was employed for the evaluation and comparison within the same group and among the two different groups based on specific time points. There was an increase in marginal bone level in Group I at six months post-operative and marginal bone lone loss in Group II within the same time interval. The marginal bone gain in Group I was statistically significant at the buccal bone plate site. In both groups, there was an increase in torque wrench and RFA values but the increase was more significant in Group I (LIPUS treated) compared to control group at six months post-operative. LIPUS promote bone healing around dental implant and can be utilized as a treatment modality to save implant with questionable stability and to enhance bone regeneration and quality osseointegration.