Evaluation of the osteointegration success of dental implants in irradiated bones

The osteointegration of dental implants is adversely affected by radiotherapy and implants fail. Especially, in cases where radiation dose is above 50Gy, the risk of osteoradyonecrosis is higher. In this study, we aimed to clinical and histopathological examination the osteointegration success of dental implants in irradiated bones. A total of 24 rabbits were divided into three groups of eight animals. Group 1 is a control group consisting of completely healthy rabbits. The second group consists of rabbits with radiotherapy and we aim to investigate the effect of radiotherapy on osteointegration success. In the third group, pentoxifylline was administered to increase vascularity after radiotherapy and we aimed to determine how the success of osteointegration is affected. Two titanium implants with a diameter of 3,5 mm by 8,5 mm of length (DTI®, Istanbul, Turkey) were placed in the proximal epiphysis of both tibias, totalizing 96 implants. General anesthesia was used for both irradiation and implant procedures. Test group animals received a single dose, 6 weeks before implant installation. Pentoxifylline is used to increase the vascularity in the radiotherapy region and vasodilate the peripheral vessels. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of pentoxifylline on minimizing side effects of radiotherapy and success of dental implants used for rehabilitation of esthetics and functions after treatment.