Topical simvastatin to improve bone healing after lower wisdom tooth extraction

Efficacy of Topical Application of Simvastatin in Bone Regeneration

EARLY_PHASE1 · Universidad de Granada · NCT07031778

This trial tests whether placing simvastatin directly into the tooth socket helps bone and soft-tissue healing after surgical removal of lower third molars.

Quick facts

PhaseEARLY_PHASE1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversidad de Granada (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Granada, Granada)
Trial IDNCT07031778 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a double-blind, randomized clinical trial at the University of Granada using mandibular third molar extraction as a model of post-extraction bone healing. Ninety third molars will be randomized into three groups: 1.2% simvastatin gel, a collagen sponge with 10 mg simvastatin in saline, or a collagen sponge in gel without simvastatin as control. Outcomes include changes in socket dimensions and bone density measured by CBCT at 12 weeks, plus soft-tissue healing and postoperative pain, inflammation and trismus. The trial is powered to 90% with a 95% confidence level and uses standardized surgical and follow-up procedures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults ASA I–II who require surgical extraction of an included or partially included mandibular third molar, have the adjacent tooth present, are not taking systemic statins, are non-smokers, and can attend the University of Granada for surgery and follow-up.

Not a fit: Patients with metabolic bone disease, recent radiotherapy, current systemic statin therapy, heavy smoking, pregnancy or use of medications that impair bone healing are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, topical simvastatin could reduce post-extraction bone loss and improve bone density and soft-tissue healing, potentially easing later implant or restorative procedures.

How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies and small clinical reports have suggested topical statins can promote bone formation, but results are mixed and well-powered randomized trials in dental sockets are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Anesthetic risk ASA I-II.
* Patients with the adjacent tooth in the mouth (37 or 47).
* Third molars with fully developed roots.
* Mandibular third molars included or semi-included.
* With indication for extraction.
* Signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or lactating women.
* Chronic smokers.
* Patients with decompensated metabolic disease.
* Patients with motor difficulties that prevent or hinder hygiene.
* Patients who are using statins to treat hypercholesterolemia.
* Patients under treatment with drugs that could affect the osseointegration process such as chemotherapy drugs, bisphosphonates, corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.
* Patients with metabolic bone diseases or who have undergone radiotherapy in the last five years.

Where this trial is running

Granada, Granada

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Dimensional Changes, Bone Density, simvastatin, bone density, dimensional changes, cbct scan

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.