Bone Formation and Maintenance in Oral Surgery: The Decisive Role of the Immune System—A Narrative Review of Mechanisms and Solutions

Abstract

Based on the evidence of a significant communication and connection pathway between the bone and immune systems, a new science has emerged: osteoimmunology. Indeed, the immune system has a considerable impact on bone health and diseases, as well as on bone formation during grafts and its stability over time. Chronic inflammation induces the excessive production of oxidants. An imbalance between the levels of oxidants and antioxidants is called oxidative stress. This physio-pathological state causes both molecular and cellular damage, which leads to DNA alterations, genetic mutations and cell apoptosis, and thus, impaired immunity followed by delayed or compromised wound healing. Oxidative stress levels experienced by the body affect bone regeneration and maintenance around teeth and dental implants. As the immune system and bone remodeling are interconnected, bone loss is a consequence of immune dysregulation. Therefore, oral tissue deficiencies such as periodontitis and peri-implantitis should be regarded as immune diseases. Bone management strategies should include both biological and surgical solutions. These protocols tend to improve immunity through antioxidant production to enhance bone formation and prevent bone loss. This narrative review aims to highlight the relationship between inflammation, oxidation, immunity and bone health in the oral cavity. It intends to help clinicians to detect high-risk situations in oral surgery and to propose biological and clinical solutions that will enhance patients’ immune responses and surgical treatment outcomes.

Keywords

• osteoimmunology
• oxidative stress
• peri-implantitis
• bone regeneration
• bone graft
• implant dentistry