Rate of implant failure in patients on antiresorptive drugs: a clinical investigation

Aim The present study is to determine unsuccessful implant cases associated to bisphosphonates and also discuss the etiopathogenesis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in such patients. Materials and methods A total of 40 conventional dental implants were placed in 26 patients with a history of  antiresorptive drugs therapy. Candidates were asked for any previous history of medicine related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Platelet rich growth factor, allograft and resorbable collagen membrane were used as adjunct measures to the specific sites. RFA (ostell) value was recorded at baseline as well as after sixth month in all  cases. The mean follow-up of the study was 42.1 months. Results Out of a total of 40 implants, 8  failed to integrate. We did not encounter any case of osteonecrosis of jaw but healing was delayed in one patient. Conclusion The outcome of this study shows that success rate seems to be no different than in patients without a history of bisphosphonate treatment but there may be an added risk of implant failure in patients who are on antiresorptive drugs.