Animal Models Used in Testing the Biocompatibility of the Dental Implant – A Review

Abstract

In order to investigate the interaction between the bone and the dental implant, in vivo testsare performed in accordance with the biocompatibility requirements. As in vitro tests do not provide sufficient data on the quality of the implants, the animal models are used because they allow a complete assessment of all the factors involved in the osseointegration process. The aim of the paper is to provide data on the bone structure of animal species involved in dental research, highlighting the complexity of bone structure and osseointegration depending on the species. At the same time, the importance of selecting animal models is emphasized, in order to obtain the most accurate data for the development of dental implants and their use in humans. Following the research, essential data were obtained that helped to synthesize the bone characteristics of animals such as rats, rabbits, pigs, sheep or goats and relate them to the human bone skeleton. These data are useful in choosing an animal model when testing a new dental implant.