In vivo animal models in periodontal research  focus on rodents

Abstract

Periodontal research has developed very fast in the last two decades. Although at this stage of science a lot of genetic and molecular-based trials are performed in order to elucidate the complex etiology, pathophysiology, biofilm-host interactions and responses on genetic and cellular level, in vivo animal models are still used. In many ways, in vivo experiments are superior to in vitro tests when the dy-namics of the immune-inflammatory nature of the periodontal disease and peri-implantitis and the specific healing of soft and hard tissues is concerned. Screening the efficacy, mechanisms of action and application of different biomaterials requires in vivo experiments, before the data translation to clinical settings. A number of small animals like rodents and large species like dogs and nonhuman primates are involved in periodontal research. As live creatures are used, the design of the studies must be well defined, with regard to the type of the animals, most suitable for the tested hypothesis, observation period, sample size, study power, critical size defects, and specific testing sites.

Keywords

• animal models
• biomaterials
• periodontal research
• regeneration