Animal models for periodontal regeneration and peri‐implant responses

Abstract Translation of experimental data to the clinical setting requires the safety and efficacy of such data to be confirmed in animal systems before application in humans. In dental research, the animal species used is dependent largely on the research question or on the disease model. Periodontal disease and, by analogy, peri‐implant disease, are complex infections that result in a tissue‐degrading inflammatory response. It is impossible to explore the complex pathogenesis of periodontitis or peri‐implantitis using only reductionist in‐vitro methods. Both the disease process and healing of the periodontal and peri‐implant tissues can be studied in animals. Regeneration (after periodontal surgery), in response to various biologic materials with potential for tissue engineering, is a continuous process involving various types of tissue, including epithelia, connective tissues and alveolar bone. The same principles apply to peri‐implant healing. Given the complexity of the biology, animal models are necessary and serve as the standard for successful translation of regenerative materials and dental implants to the clinical setting. Smaller species of animal are more convenient for disease‐associated research, whereas larger animals are more appropriate for studies that target tissue healing as the anatomy of larger animals more closely resembles human dento‐alveolar architecture. This review focuses on the animal models available for the study of regeneration...
Source: Periodontology 2000 - Category: Dentistry Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research