Swine Dental Implantation Model

• Duration - 30 days to 52 weeks

• Lead time - 30 days

• Standard results - Gross Observations, Histology, Radiographs

MODEL UTILITY:

The swine dental model is used to screen dental implantation materials for safety and efficacy. 

HOW THE MODEL WORKS:

In this model, if necessary, teeth will be extracted as required to create the necessary space on the jaw for the implants to be placed.  If extractions occur, the animals are allowed to heal, as needed (typically 3 months).  Implants, membranes and other test materials are placed per the specification of the product to be tested.  This is most commonly done by lifting a partial gingival flap and placing the test material between the periosteum and the gingival tissue.  The animals are then allowed to heal until a predetermined time point, typically a time series. For safety studies, this time series can last up to 52 weeks.

At the end of the protocol, the animal is euthanized and gross observations of mandible and implant are made.  The mandible can then be removed for histological analysis. For safety studies, explantation is often accompanied by a necropsy from a board certified, veterinary pathologist.

EXAMPLE DATA:

Advantages:

The pig model is one of the two commonly accepted models for dental implant studies by the FDA. The use of minipig strains permits long-term studies while keeping the animals at a managable weight.

BRIDGE PTS has housing for 50-100 mature minipigs at our Research Barn. This permits study time to be compressed by allowing large-scale surgeries without having to wait for space to be available.

DisAdvantages:

Dental implant studies often require the use of pigs that have lost their “milk teeth”. This means they must be at least 12 months of age. Older pigs such as these can be in shorter supply and are more expensive than younger animals so lead time may need to be extended with larger studies.