J Periodontal Implant Sci.  2024 Jun;54(3):139-148. 10.5051/jpis.2204860243.

A large animal model of periodontal defects in bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a comparison of clinical and radiological findings

• Otto M
• Neff A
• Ziebart T
• Hallingv F

• KMID: 2557163
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2204860243

Abstract

Purpose
The objective of this study was to demonstrate the suitability of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for in vivo research in periodontology, with implications for oral implantology, facial traumatology, and all disciplines involved in treating patients with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ).
Methods
Halves of the jaws of 9 Swiss mountain sheep, assigned to a control group (n=3), an osteoporosis group (n=3) and a zoledronate-exposed group (n=3), were examined. Clinical and radiological evaluations were conducted using CBCT imaging to assess whether periodontitis and bone defects were observed to a significant extent after surgical tooth extraction.
Results
In contrast to the control and osteoporosis groups, the zoledronate group exhibited significant residual bone defects following tooth extraction (P<0.05). CBCT more objectively revealed these effects and enabled a numerical evaluation (in mm ³ ).
Conclusions
Evaluating residual defects in bone blocks from sheep using CBCT analysis was found to be as effective as a clinical examination conducted by specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The strong correlation between radiological findings and clinical conditions suggests that CBCT may become increasingly important in the future, particularly in periodontological research related to BRONJ.

Keyword

Animal models; Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw; Cone-beam computed tomography; Periodontitis