Is There an Ideal Concentration of Ozonized Oil for the Prevention and Modulation of Zoledronate-Induced Mandibular Osteonecrosis? A Study on Senescent Rats

Abstract

This study aimed to identify whether there is an ideal concentration for applying ozonized oil (OZ) in the post-exodontic alveoli of senescent rats treated with zoledronate (ZOL). Thirty-five female rats, aged 18 months, were divided into five groups: ZOL; ZOL+OZ500; ZOL+OZ600; ZOL+OZ700; and SAL. The groups treated with ZOL, and other concentrations of OZ received applications at a dose of 100 μg/kg, while the SAL group received saline. After three weeks of ZOL application, the animals underwent extraction of the lower first molar. Subsequently, local therapies were initiated: group ZOL+OZ500 at 500 mEq/kg; ZOL+Z600 at 600 mEq/kg; and ZOL+OZ700 at 700 mEq/kg at baseline, and on days 2 and 4 post-operation. Euthanasia was performed on day 28. The microtomographic parameter of bone volume and histometric data on the area of neoformed bone (NFBT) showed the highest values for the ZOL+OZ600 group (p < 0.05). All OZ groups had smaller areas of non-vital bone than the ZOL group (p < 0.05). The clinical appearance of the operated region showed the alveoli covered with soft tissue, particularly in the OZ groups. All the tested concentrations of OZ were able to prevent and modulate MRONJ. As it presents a greater amount of NFBT, the concentration of 600 mEq/kg seems to be ideal.