Volumetric analysis of the periodontal microstructure under antiresorptive therapy: an experimental study in rabbits

Objectives

The objective of this study was to volumetrically assess changes in the periodontal microstructure under antiresorptive therapy.

Materials and methods

Microtomographic scans from a total of 9 Dutch Belted rabbits having been randomly allocated to either the intravenous administration of amino-bisphosphonate (zoledronic acid) (Za) (n?=?5) or a negative control group (nZa) (n?=?4) were obtained at 10 months following a repeated drug administration. A quantification of the periodontal space thickness (P.Th) of both maxillary and mandibular most posterior premolars, as well as of the 2nd molars was performed. Bone micromorphometry was assessed by means of bone volume per total volume (BV/TV), the bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N), bone surface (BS), and the specific bone surface (BS/BV).

Results

Za was associated with significantly higher P.Th (P?=?0.010), which was most pronounced in the upper jaw. Bone micromorphometry revealed no significant differences among the two groups, i.e., Za and nZa, for all the investigated parameters.

Conclusions

Volumetric analysis revealed that antiresorptive therapy was associated with periodontal space widening, whereas major effects on the bone micro-morphology could not be observed.

Clinical relevance

A deep understanding of specific periodontal and alveolar bone alterations in patients under antiresorptive therapy might help to prevent the onset of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.