Retrospective evaluation of the effects of single-use and reusable implant drill systems on pre-loading implant stability values and osseointegration success

Objective: The surface properties and sharpness of burs used in dental implant surgery are critical factors that directly influence the severity of surgical trauma and the success of osseointegration. Deformation and reduced sharpness resulting from repeated use and sterilization processes may negatively affect bone vitality by increasing pressure and heat generation, thereby complicating the osseointegration process. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate and compare the osseointegration of implants placed with single- use and reusable bur systems, both at the time of surgical placement and prior to prosthetic loading. Method: The study included 22 dental implants prepared with single-use drills and 19 implants prepared with conventional drills, placed at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Akdeniz University, between January 2023 and December 2024. ISQ values routinely measured immediately after implant placement during surgery and prior to prosthetic loading were retrospectively collected and recorded. For data meeting the assumptions of parametric distribution, independent samples t-test was used for statistical comparisons between the single-use and reusable groups at the implant level, while paired samples t-test was applied for comparisons of time-dependent measurements. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups of implants placed using single-use and reusable bur systems with respect to osseointegration success and ISQ values measured at placement and prior to loading. Conclusion: There are no differences in the success or degree of osseointegration of implants placed with single-use and reusable bur systems, provided that they are applied in accordance with essential surgical principles and the manufacturer's instructions. Key words: ISQ, implant, osseointegration, single use