What is the impact of Osseodensification technique on heat generation during implant osteotomy? A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Heat generation (HG) during implant osteotomy (IO) is a critical factor influencing bone healing and implant success. Excessive HG can lead to osteonecrosis, impairing osseointegration. Osseodensification (OD), an innovative drilling technique introduced in 2016, aims to enhance bone density and implant stability but has been associated with increased HG. This research aim to identify what is known about OD’s impact on HG compared to conventional drilling (CD). Methods: A scoping review following PRISMA-ScR and JBI guidance, a comprehensive search of published and grey literature was conducted across nine databases. The Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) framework was employed: Population = IO, Intervention = OD, Comparison = CD, Outcome: HG. Only English-language studies with no publication date restrictions were included. Data extraction and charting were independently reviewed. Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising ex-vivo and in-vitro designs utilizing porcine, bovine, and human bone models. OD generally demonstrated a statistically significant increase in HG compared to CD; however, all recorded temperatures remained below the critical threshold of 47°C for osteonecrosis. Key factors influencing HG included drill geometry, irrigation, and bone type. Significant gaps in the literature highlight the need for further research. Conclusion: OD appears to be a thermally safe technique for IO under controlled conditions, offering benefits in bone stability and ridge expansion. However, further clinical studies are required to validate these findings and assess the technique's safety and efficacy in real-world scenarios.