Peri-implant bone regeneration in pigs

To review the current literature to answer the focused question: in the experimental pig model (population), which types of peri-implant bone defects (exposure) have been used evaluate different modes of therapy and what is their capacity for spontaneous healing and regeneration (outcome)?

Following PRISMA guidelines, electronic databases were searched for studies reporting peri-implant bone defects in the maxillae or mandibles of pigs. Those studies which reported a control group of untreated defects with assessment of spontaneous regeneration [new bone area (BA)] and/or re-osseointegration [new bone-to-implant contact (BIC)] via quantitative radiography or histomorphometry were included in a random effects meta-analysis for the outcomes BA and BIC.

Overall, 21 studies, mostly performed in the mandibles of minipigs, were included. Most studies reported 'acute' intrabony (circumferential and/or dehiscence; n = 12) or supra-alveolar defects (horizontal; n = 4). Five studies attempted to induce 'chronic' peri-implantitis lesions using ligatures with conflicting results. Meta-analyses revealed pooled estimates (with 95% confidence intervals) of 48.07% BIC (30.14-66%) and 64.31% BA (42.71-85.91%) in intrabony defects, and 52.09% BIC (41.83-62.35%) and 28.62% BA (12.97-44.28%) in supra-alveolar defects. Heterogeneity in the meta-analysis was high (I² > 90%).

Current evidence for peri-implant bone regeneration in pigs is mainly based on acute intrabony defects, which demonstrate a high capacity for spontaneous regeneration and re-osseointegration. The evidence for chronic peri-implantitis is limited and does not clearly indicate a spontaneous progression of the disease in this animal model.