Experimental model for the study of autogenous mandibular bone grafts integration

This research was conducted in order to create an animal experimental model which would allow the study of the integration of autogenous bone grafts used in implant dentistry. When the augmentation of the available bone is necessary, using mandibular autografts is the first choice, with specialised literature presenting numerous clinical situations which have benefitted from surgical treatment of bone quantity deficits. The material used in the study was represented by seven dried skulls of adult domestic dogs, Canis familiaris, which died by natural causes. In order to define the experimental model, we utilized two morphometric work methods, morphometry through CT (Computed Tomography) imaging, and morphometry performed directly on dried canine skulls. The measurements were performed in order to determine the dimensions of the mandibular and maxillary buccal cortical bones and the width of the alveolar processes. Both imaging and direct morphometry revealed that the thickness of the buccal alveolar compact and the width of the alveolar process were significantly larger in the posterior mandible than in the lateral maxillary region, on both the right and left sides. On the basis of the results, we established that the posterior region of the mandibular body should be the donor site, and the lateral region of the maxillary body should be the recipient site. The experimental model involved the creation of a maxillary bone defect and its augmentation with an autogenous mandibular bone graft. The present research is useful in order to select the adequate experimental model for a particular scientific purpose.