Healing of extraction socket following local application of simvastatin: A split mouth prospective study

BackgroundThe role of simvastatin in lowering serum cholesterol level is well described. However, recent findings suggest they have a role in bone formation as well.Aim and objectivesThe present prospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of simvastatin on bone formation in extraction sockets.Materials and methods15 patients undergoing all four first premolar extraction were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Extraction sockets of left premolars (24 and 34) were considered as cases and right premolars (14 and 44) as controls. Overall 30 extraction sites were assigned to each group. Atraumatic extraction was done in all cases following which simvastatin mixed with gelatin sponge was placed in extraction socket of 24 and 34 while only gelatin sponge was placed in 14 and 44. All sockets were then closed with 3-0 vicryl. The patients were kept on follow-up and complications such as dry socket, pain, and swelling were recorded. Intra oral peri apical radiographs were taken immediately after extraction and at 2nd month and 4th month to record changes in the density of alveolar bone. The radiographic measurements were compared and the differences were statistically analyzed.ResultPercent increase in bone density at the end of 8th week and 16th week was significantly high in case as compared to the control group.ConclusionLocal application of simvastatin induces bone formation in extraction sockets. Application is very simple and provides a very cost effective way of faster bone regeneration following tooth extraction.