The Effect of Bone Density Measured by Cone Beam Computed Tomography and Implant Dimensions on the Stability of Dental Implants

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bone density value in Hounsfield unit derived from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and implant dimensions in relation to implant stability parameters namely the resonance frequency analysis and the insertion torque (IT) value. It included 24 patients who received 42 dental implants (DI). The bone density of the planned implant site was preoperatively measured using cone beam computed tomography. The implant stability was measured using Osstell implant stability quotient (ISQ). The ISQ values were recorded immediately postoperatively and after 16 weeks. The IT value was categorized as 35 N/cm or > 35 N/cm. The mean (standard deviation) primary stability was 79.58 (5.27) ISQ, which was significantly higher than the secondary stability 74.31 (6.34) ISQ (P < 0.0001). There was a significant moderate positive correlation of bone density with primary stability (r = 0.4, P = 0.0099) and no correlation with secondary stability (r = 0.003, P = 0.9867). The bone density of DI with 35 N/cm IT was significantly lower than with > 35 N/cm IT (P = 0.0390). Better stability was recorded with wider implants. Whereas the length of the DI showed a nonsignificant correlation with primary and secondary stability (P = 0.7633 and 0.4670, respectively). The DI dimensions showed a nonsignificant correlation with the IT. Cone beam computed tomography may be considered as a reliable method to assess bone density and predict the implant stability. The diameter of DI affected the implant stability favorably, whereas DI length showed no effect.