Statins Potential Aid in Healing after dental extraction: Study

Researchers have found in a new study that Statins may Aid in Post-Extraction Healing after dental procedures. The study highlights the promising role of statin drugs in enhancing tissue healing after tooth extraction.

These findings suggest new possibilities for improving patient care in dentistry, potentially revolutionizing post-extraction healing approaches.Statins, widely known for their cholesterol-lowering effects, have shown remarkable potential in stimulating bone formation and enhancing soft tissue healing, offering a transformative approach in dental care.

This systematic review aimed to analyze the effects of statins on tissue healing in dental extraction sockets, presenting a promising future for both dental professionals and patients. Registered in the International Prospective Register of Ongoing Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42022299247), the study involved an extensive electronic database search, identifying 412 manuscripts, of which only nine met the eligibility criteria after a rigorous screening process. These nine studies included a total sample of 403 animals, predominantly rats (eight studies), with one study conducted on mongrel dogs.

The analysis revealed that the application of statins in tooth extraction sockets significantly enhances bone repair and promotes new bone formation, while also preserving the height and width of the residual alveolar ridge. Moreover, the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of key growth factors, such as transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), was found to be upregulated, leading to improved vascularization, reduced inflammation, and minimized alveolar bone loss.

Historically, several materials have been used to support healing after tooth extraction, but limitations such as high costs, risk of disease transmission, and donor site morbidity have prevented the establishment of a definitive gold standard. The findings of this review highlight that statins not only preserve the alveolar ridge but also significantly enhance periodontal health and osseointegration, offering a viable alternative to conventional materials. Additionally, the reduced progression of medication-related osteoradionecrosis of the jaw-like lesions further broadens the scope of statin drugs in dentistry. Given these promising outcomes, further randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish clear guidelines for the clinical application of statins in dental tissue healing. The findings of this study emphasize the groundbreaking potential of statins in post-extraction healing, paving the way for a paradigm shift in dental care that could revolutionize patient outcomes and improve overall oral health.