Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the influence of oversized drilling on the stability of the implant and the bone response during osseointegration.

Materials and methods: The trial was designed as a prospective, parallel-group randomized controlled clinical trial with 20 implants placed in the posterior region of the maxilla. The sample size was divided into two groups, 10 each, with implants being placed with manufacturer-recommended implant osteotomy preparation according to the manufacturer guidelines in one group (MR group) vs oversized osteotomy preparation (3 to 5 mm) in the other group (oversized drilling [OD] group). The implant stability was monitored for 3 months by means of resonance frequency analysis, while the crestal bone levels were recorded using parallel technique periapical radiography for 6 months. Patient-reported outcomes including pain, swelling, satisfaction, and implant survival were all monitored throughout the study.

Results: In the MR group, a mean decrease in implant stability quotient (ISQ) values was detected during the first 4 weeks, after which a gradual increase in values was recorded. In comparison, the OD group showed a rapid increase in ISQ value over the entire follow-up period from baseline and up to week 12. Regarding crestal bone level, follow-up showed a significant difference when comparing baseline and 6-month radiographs (P = .00) between the OD group, 0.908 mm ± 0.343, and the MR group, 1.3 ± 0.23 mm.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the results suggest that the oversized osteotomy technique may lead to earlier implant stability and postsurgical recovery compared with the manufacturer-recommended technique for osteotomy preparation. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.