Effect of local Zoledronic acid application in alveolar bone healing: An experimental study

Abstract Objectives:This experimental study aimed to assess the effects of local ZA application in alveolar bone healing. Methods:Nine male New Zealand White Rabbits were randomly allocated into 2, 4, and 8 weeks group after extraction of four incisor teeth. The upper and lower right sockets were filled with ZA + collagen sponge (ZA-CS group), while the left sockets were filled with collagen sponge alone (CS group) postoperatively. At 2, 4, and 8 weeks (T1, T2 and T3) after the extraction, radiographic and histomorphometric evaluations were conducted for both groups. Results: The increase in alveolar bone density of the ZA-CS group at T3 was more significant than the CS group (P＜0.01). Three-dimensional evaluations demonstrated no statistically significant differences in ridge height and width between the two groups at T3. On histological evaluation, the ZA-CS group included significantly fewer TRAP-positive cells than the CS group at T1 and T2. Masson’s trichrome staining showed significantly higher mean red collagen volume fraction in the ZA-CS group (76.09%) than in the CS group (66.17%) at T3. Conclusions: Although local ZA application with collagen sponge did not reduce alveolar ridge contraction, it improved the bone density and maturity of newly formed bone after tooth extraction. Thus, local ZA application seems to be effective for alveolar bone healing, albeit it might not be suitable for ridge preservation.