Background: This trial aimed to compare osseodensification with traditional implant site preparation in terms of clinical outcomes, radiographic findings, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in the peri-implant sulcus.
Methods: Sixteen patients were randomly assigned to two groups. In group 1, eleven sites received a small-diameter implant according to the conventional method; in group 2, eleven sites received an implant after osseodensification. The modified plaque index, modified bleeding (sulcus) index, and peri-implant probing depth were recorded for all patients on the day of implant placement (baseline) as well as at 3 and 6 months. The preoperative and postoperative alveolar ridge widths were measured, and the marginal bone loss (MBL) around the implant was assessed. Gingival crevicular samples were assayed using ELISA.
Results: For the MPI, mSBI, and PPD, no statistically significant differences were reported across the groups at baseline and 3 and 6 months. Group 2 showed a lower marginal bone level and higher bone density, lower VEGF, and lower IL-6 levels than group 1.
Conclusion: Osseodensification was shown to preserve bone and augment the ridge width, unlike conventional osteotomy with a small-diameter implant. The association of VEGF and IL-6 may be used as a marker for bone resorption and revascularization around dental implants.
Keywords: Bone density; IL-6; Implant; Osseodensification; VEGF.
© 2025 The Author(s).