Effect of Mandibular Drilling Speed on Implant Stability and Osteogenic Potential: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Primary implant stability and the biological quality of bone particles generated during osteotomy are important determinants of successful osseointegration. Conventional implant site preparation typically uses high-speed drilling with irrigation to prevent thermal injury; however, this technique may compromise the biological quality and viability of harvested bone particles.

Low-speed biological drilling without irrigation has been proposed as an alternative technique that may preserve bone vitality, reduce thermal trauma, and allow collection of viable autogenous bone particles with regenerative potential.

This randomized clinical trial evaluates the influence of different mandibular drilling speeds (50 rpm, 150 rpm, and 300 rpm) during implant osteotomy on implant stability and on the osteogenic potential of the collected autogenous bone particles.

Implant stability will be assessed clinically, while the osteogenic potential of harvested bone particles will be evaluated using molecular biomarkers related to osteogenesis. The results of this study may provide evidence-based guidance for optimizing implant drilling protocols and improving bone regeneration potential in implant dentistry.

Inclusion criteria

Adult patients requiring single dental implant placement in the mandible

Adequate bone volume for implant placement without need for bone grafting

Good general health

Ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

Systemic diseases affecting bone metabolism or healing

History of radiotherapy in the head and neck region

Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus

Active periodontal disease

Heavy smoking

Pregnancy or lactation