Role of Melatonin in Bone Remodeling around Titanium Dental Implants: Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The theory, known as the “brain-bone axis” theory, involves the central nervous system in bone remodeling. The alteration of the nervous system could lead to abnormal bone remodeling. Melatonin produced by the pineal gland is a hormone that is characterized by its antioxidant properties. The aim of this meta-analysis was to examine the role of melatonin in the growth of new bone around titanium dental implants in vivo. A manual search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify scientific studies published until November 2020. We included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and animal studies where melatonin was used with titanium implants. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Quality was assessed using the Jadad scale and SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool. Our meta-analysis revealed that the use of melatonin during implant placement improves bone-to-implant contact percentages in animals (difference of means, random effects: 9.59 [95% CI: 5.53–13.65]), reducing crestal bone loss in humans (difference in means, random effects: −0.55 [95% CI: 1.10–0.00]). In animals, titanium implants using melatonin increase bone-to-implant contact surface 2–6 weeks after their placement and reduce crestal bone loss in humans following six months. The results of this meta-analysis should be taken with caution, due to the small samples and the large heterogeneity among studies.