Radiodensitometric study for evaluation of bone mineral density around dental implants after zoledronic acid treatment in ovariectomized rats

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of intravenous zoledronic acid applied systemically on osseointegration of dental implants and the surrounding bone mineral density (BMD) in the ovariectomized rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS 36 rats were divided into three groups: control (CTRL), ovariectomy (OVX), and ovariectomy-zoledronic acid (OVX/ZOL). The rats in the CTRL group underwent sham surgery, while rats in OVX and OVX / ZOL group underwent ovariectomy. After 12 weeks, rats from OVX / ZOL were injected with 0.04 mg/kg ZOL intravenously once a week for 6 weeks. The rats from CTRL and OVX groups were injected with 0.9% NaCl. Implants were placed in the left tibia. After 8 weeks, rats were sacrificed and tibia bones were removed for radiodensitometric examination. Digital radiographs of bones' lateral surface were taken. The BMD was measured by using radiographic analysis software. RESULTS Statistically significant differences were found between all groups (p<0.05). While highest mean BMD values were observed in the CTRL group, the lowest were in the OVX group. CONCLUSIONS The systemic use of ZOL has increased the bone density around the implants inserted osteoporotic rat tibia.