Local Application of Melatonin on Dental Implant Osseointegration: Analysis of Removal Torque. Experimental Study on Rabbits

Melatonin may interfere with the function of osteoclasts and inhibit bone resorption mainly due to its antioxidant properties and ability to detoxify free radicals. This inhibition can be enhanced by the reaction of indolamine in osseoclastogenesis and may have benefits in implantology. Aims: To evaluate the mechanical and biological behavior of osseointegration using melatonin. To compare the stability coefficient of implants at the time of placement (initial or mechanical ISQ) and after 60 days (final or biological ISQ). To measure the disinsertion torque in both groups of rabbits, with and without melatonin application. Materials and Methods: A total of 16 implants of the same brand and size were placed, with 9 of them receiving 3mg of melatonin powder prior to installation and 7 control implants without melatonin. Resonance frequency analysis (Osstell®) was used to measure initial and biological anchorage, as well as removal torque. Results: The mean removal torque for melatonin-treated implants was 99.8 Ncm, and for control implants, the mean was 87.2 Ncm. The differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. However, there were significant differences in biological ISQ values. Conclusions: The use of melatonin improved the response to osseointegration, particularly in the measurement of final or biological ISQ values.