Histologic and micro-computed tomographic evaluation of the osseointegration of a nonresorbable bone substitute in alveoli of ponies after tooth extraction.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the biological behavior of a nonresorbable bone substitute (NRBS) in the alveoli of ponies, compared with tissue quality in naturally healing alveoli, after cheek tooth extraction.


METHODS
5 clinically normal ponies.


METHODS
In each pony, both maxillary fourth premolars (Triadan 108/208) were repulsed bilaterally during anesthesia. One randomly chosen alveolus was filled with NRBS and isolated from the oral cavity by use of dental impression material and a spring-wire retention device. The other alveolus was occluded in its occlusal third portion with dental impression material. One year after surgery, cylindrical lateromedial biopsy specimens were collected from the apical, middle, and occlusal level of each alveolus. Biopsy samples were evaluated for bone mineral density and bone volume via micro-computed tomography; qualitative histologic characteristics were evaluated via light microscopy.


RESULTS
Bone mineral density and bone volume were greater in control alveoli, compared with NRBS-treated alveoli. Control alveoli were characterized by the presence of few mature bone trabeculae and wide spaces containing fat tissue and mesenchymal stroma. In treated alveoli, biocompatibility and osteoconductive properties of the NRBS were excellent; continuous bone formation and bone remodeling were also evident.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicated that the NRBS was integrated well in calcified alveolar tissues in ponies 1 year after maxillary cheek tooth extraction. Further research is necessary to establish the benefits of this NRBS in the development of a dental implant surgical technique in equids.
Vlaminck
Lieven
L
Department of Surgery and Anaesthesiology of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
Cnudde
Veerle
V
Pieters
Koen
K
Van Den Broeck
Wim
W
Steenhaut
Michel
M
Jacobs
Patric
P
Gasthuys
Frank
F
D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery; D000543:Alveoloplasty / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D001706:Biopsy / Q000662:veterinary; D015519:Bone Density; D016723:Bone Remodeling; D018786:Bone Substitutes; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000662:veterinary*; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D006651:Histocytochemistry / Q000662:veterinary; D006736:Horses / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000662:veterinary; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*
D018786:Bone Substitutes