Peri-implant bone regeneration in pigs

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Veterinary Medicine
• Dental Implantology

Background:

• Peri-implant bone defects are a significant clinical challenge in dental implantology.
• The pig model is frequently used to study peri-implant bone regeneration due to anatomical similarities.
• Understanding spontaneous healing capacity is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature on peri-implant bone defects in the experimental pig model.
• To identify defect types used for evaluating therapy and assess their spontaneous healing potential.
• To determine the capacity for spontaneous bone regeneration and re-osseointegration in these defects.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
• Studies reporting peri-implant bone defects in pig maxillae or mandibles were included.
• Meta-analysis assessed spontaneous regeneration (new bone area) and re-osseointegration (bone-to-implant contact) in untreated defects.

Main Results:

• Twenty-one studies, primarily using minipigs, were analyzed.
• Most studies focused on acute intrabony (circumferential/dehiscence) and supra-alveolar (horizontal) defects.
• Meta-analysis showed significant spontaneous bone regeneration and re-osseointegration in acute intrabony defects, but limited evidence for chronic peri-implantitis.

Conclusions:

• Acute intrabony peri-implant defects in pigs exhibit substantial spontaneous bone regeneration and re-osseointegration.
• The current evidence base for spontaneous healing in chronic peri-implantitis models in pigs is limited.
• Further research is needed to understand the progression and healing of chronic peri-implantitis in this animal model.