Assessment of Crestal Bone Loss and Implant Stability of Implant Drilling Protocol at Low Speed without Irrigation versus Conventional Drilling Protocol

Abstract

Aim: This study assesses crestal bone loss surrounding dental implants, primary and secondary stability in sites prepared by conventional versus low speed drilling protocol. Material and Methods: Ten patients received 20 implants to restore an edentulous area in the lower posterior mandibular area. Patients were blindly divided into a control and study group. In the control group, sequential drilling was performed at 1,200 rpm and torque of 30 Ncm with irrigation till reaching the planned length and diameter. In the Study group, sequential drilling was performed at 150 rpm and torque of 50 Ncm without irrigation till reaching the planned length and diameter. Digital periapical radiographs were taken immediately postoperative, after 3 and 6 months to assess the crestal bone loss. Osstell® was used to quantify the implant stability; the primary stability was measured right after implant placement and the secondary stability was assessed after 3 months. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in crestal bone loss between both groups. The results of the primary stability of the control group showed a greater value than that of the study group with a statistically significant difference, while there was no statistically significant difference in the secondary stability between groups. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, drilling at low speed without irrigation is a successful implant site preparation technique for dental implants.