Evaluating systemic administration effect of propranolol on osseointegration around titanium implants: A histomorphometric study in dogs

Abstract

 Background :Dental implants are known as a widely accepted and predictable method to replace
missing teeth. Many factors, including using a class of drugs, such as β‑blockers, can improve the
osseointegration of dental implants. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between
administrating propranolol and osseointegration in dental implants.
Materials and Methods: This experimental animal study was performed on four native male street
dogs of 11–13 kg of weight and 16–20 months of age. The specimens underwent teeth extraction.
After that, the dogs were randomly divided into two groups. The first group contains two control
dogs which would receive oral saline. The second contains two dogs which would receive oral
tablets of propranolol daily. After a period of healing, three titanium implants were inserted in
each of speciments’ left mandibular quadrant, and treatment was resumed with propranolol and
saline administration in case and control group, respectively. After 4 weeks, one of control group
dogs and one of case group were anesthetized, and dental implants were removed alongside the
peripheral bone marrow using a trephine drill. Meanwhile, the other two dogs (1 control and 1
propranolol administered dogs) were anesthetized after 9 weeks of implant placement, and the
same procedure was carried out.
Results: Due to the histomorphometric assessment, the mean score of bone implant contact
(BIC) in week 4 was significantly higher in case group compared to control one (68.33% vs. 20.22%).
In week 9, the mean BIC score was higher in case group compared to control group (68.60% vs.
50.17%); meanwhile, in contrast to week 4, it was not statistically significant. In both case and control
groups, the formation of woven and lamellar bone was more significant in week 4 rather than week 9.
Conclusion: Administration of systemic β‑blockers can improve dental implants osseointegration
process.
Key Words: Beta antagonists, dental implants, osseointegration