Oral Health and Dental Management

Abstract

Effect of Short-term Steroid Use (Prednisolone) on Bone Healing around Implants: An Experimental Study on Dogs

Jaber Yaghini, Ahmmad Moghareh Abed, Mozhgan Izadi, Reza Birang, Nakisa Torabinia, Mohammad Tavakoli

Introduction: Prednisolone is a glucocorticoid used for treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus. There is no consensus regarding the effect of short-term steroid use on implant osseointegration. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effect of prednisolone on the osseointegration process in dogs. Materials and Methods: The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th mandibular premolar teeth of 8 mature male mixed-breed dogs were bilaterally extracted under general anesthesia. After 3 months of healing, the dogs were allocated into study (receiving 4 mg/day prednisolone for 4 weeks followed by 2 mg/day for another 4 weeks) and control groups (4 dogs per each group). Six implants (bone level) were inserted in the mandible of each dog. In 4 dogs (2 in each group), the reverse torque and the bone-implant contact (BIC) were evaluated at 1 week postoperatively and in the remaining dogs at 4 weeks. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA with 95% confidence interval. Results: The reverse torque of all implants at 1 and 4 weeks postoperatively was at the highest value of implant ratchet. Microscopic evaluation revealed that the BIC was significantly greater in controls in comparison to the prednisolone group (P-value<0.05). In addition, the BIC of both groups significantly increased at 4 weeks compared to 1 week (P-value<0.05). The newly formed bone around implants at 1 and 4 weeks postoperatively was woven and lamellar, respectively. Conclusion: Prednisolone has the potential to disrupt the osseointegration process.