Effects of Simvastatin Gel on Bone Neoformation in Post-extraction Sockets: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Statins (HMG-CoA) are widely used in treating patients with hypercholesterolemia. They have also been studied because of their anabolic effects on bone tissue. Statins increase the expression of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins-2 (BMP-2) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), which are of important scientific interest in bone regeneration therapy. However, they are expensive and have a short half-life. Therefore, a molecule promoting the endogenous production of BMP-2 and VEGF would be valuable for the field of bone tissue engineering. This study aims to evaluate dimensional changes, level of soft tissue healing, pain/discomfort, and newly formed tissues in post-extraction sockets filling with Simvastatin (SIM) gel covered with polypropylene membranes. Thirty post-extraction sockets of posterior teeth will be randomized allocated in two groups: 1) extractions and socket filling with 1.2% SIM gel and membrane and 2) extraction and socket filling with placebo gel and membrane. The evaluation will be done through clinical analyzes, histomorphometry and micro-computed tomographic images, considering the dimensional changes, the quantity and the quality of tissue formation after extractions. Measurements will be taken before extraction (T1) and 90 days after the extraction (T2). In addition, the perception of pain will be analyzed. The hypothesis is that SIM associated with polypropylene membrane can enhance bone formation in post-extraction sockets compared with the control group.