Impact of Chitosan-Coated Implants on the Alveolar Ridge: Preliminary MicroCT and Radiographic Study in a Canine Model.

PURPOSE:To compare crestal bone loss (CBL) 12 weeks after immediate implant placement in the mandible of a canine model between titanium (Ti) implants with a conventional etched surface (SLA type) and Ti implants coated with chitosan (Cht). MATERIALS AND METHODS:A total of 48 Ti-Al16-V4 implants (24 experimental and 24 control) with an internally connected tapered screw design were randomly placed into six canine maxillae, 4 per hemiarch. The experimental implants were coated with Cht by immersion and sterilized with ethylene oxide. Primary stability was measured using the Osstell device, and no grafting materials were used. The 3D microCT measurements included crestal bone volume (CBV) and bone volume change in crestal area (ΔCBV), which were considered outcome measures. Parallelized periapical radiographs were also taken at the time of implant placement and after 12 weeks to assess changes in crestal bone levels. RESULTS:In terms of volumetric changes, it was observed that the experimental group showed better results than the control group (P = .049 and P = .303, respectively). Regarding the implant sites, no significant differences were found between the experimental implant sites and control sites. The implants placed at P4 level in the experimental group obtained the best result (P = .041). The linear data obtained from the periapical radiographs indicated greater bone loss in the control group compared to the experimental group (3.2 ± 0.45 mm and 2.75 ± 0.55 mm, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:Despite the better results obtained for the Cht-coated surface group, further preclinical studies are necessary to confirm these results.