Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the topical application of melatonin on osteointegration of dental implants in Beagle dogs 5 and 8 weeks after their insertion.
Materials and methods: For subsequent insertion of dental implants, upper and lower premolars and molars were extracted from 12 Beagle dogs. Each mandible received cylindrical screw implants of 3.25 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length. The implants were randomly assigned to the mesial and distal sites on each side of the mandible. Prior to implanting, 1.2 mg lyophylized powder melatonin was applied to one bone hole at each side of the mandible. None was applied at the control sites. Eight histological sections per implant were obtained for histomorphometric studies.
Results: After 5- and 8-week treatment periods, melatonin significantly increased the inter-thread bone (p < 0.05) and new bone formation (p < 0.05) in comparison to control implants in both weeks. There were no significant increases in the bone-to-implant contact and peri-implant bone (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Topical application of melatonin may act as a biomimetic agent in the placement of endo-osseous dental implants at 5 and 8 weeks after the implantation.
© 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.