Experimental Model of Ligature-Induced Peri-Implantitis in Mice

Summary

This is a report on an experimental model of ligature-induced peri-implantitis in mice. We describe all surgical steps, from pre- and post-operative management of the animals, extractions, implant placement, and ligature-induced peri-implantitis.

Abstract

Dental implants have a high success and survival rate. However, complications such as peri-implantitis (PI) are highly challenging to treat. PI is characterized by inflammation in the tissues around dental implants with progressive loss of supporting bone. To optimize dental implants' longevity in terms of health and functionality, it is crucial to understand the peri-implantitis pathophysiology. In this regard, using mouse models in research has proven clear benefits in recreating clinical circumstances. This study aimed to describe an experimental model of ligature-induced peri-implantitis in mice and determine whether there is effectiveness in inducing this disease, given the observed bone and tissue changes. The experimental peri-implantitis induction comprehends the following steps: teeth extraction, implant placement, and ligature-inducted PI. A sample of eighteen 3-week-old C57BL/6J male mice was divided into two groups, ligature (N=9) and control non-ligature (N=9). The evaluation of clinical, radiographical, and histological factors was performed. The ligature group showed significantly higher bone loss, increased soft tissue edema, and apical epithelial migration than the non-ligature group. It was concluded that this pre-clinical model can successfully induce peri-implantitis in mice.

Introduction

Dental implants are increasingly prevalent as a desirable choice for replacing missing teeth¹. The prevalence of dental implants in the US adult population is projected to increase up to 23% by 2026². Based on a market analysis report by Grand View Research (2022), the global market size of dental implants was projected to reach approximately US $4.6 billion in 2022. Furthermore, it is anticipated to exhibit a steady annual growth rate of around 10% until the year 2030³. Unfortunately, the use of dental implants can lead to complications, such as peri-implantitis. Peri-implan....

Protocol

Procedures involving animal subjects have been approved by the Chancellor's Animal Research Committee of the University of California, Los Angeles (ARC protocol number 2002-125), and the Animal Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE)²². For this method, eighteen 3-week-old C57BL/6J male mice were used and underwent dental extractions, implant placement and peri-implantitis induction. All dental procedures were performed under 10× microscopic magnification and carried out by train.......

Discussion

This protocol presents a descriptive report on surgical procedures for peri-implantitis induction utilizing a ligature model in mice. Working with mice has advantages, such as being cost-effective, the availability of an extensive genetic array given the many backgrounds²³ among other aspects^24,25. Over the years, several studies have successfully utilized mice in the medical and dental fields, including in peri-implantitis

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
#5 dental explorer	Hu-Friedy, Chicago, IL	392-0911	Dental luxation
15c blade and surgical scalpel	Henry Schein Inc., Melville, NY	1126186	Tissue incision
6-0 silk ligatures	Fisher Scientific, Hampton, NH	NC9201232	Ligature
Amoxicillin 50μg/mL	Zoetis, San Diego, CA	TS/DRUGS/57/2003	Oral suspension
Bacon Soft Diet	Bio Serve®, Frenchtown, NJ	14-726-701	-
C57BL/6J male mice	The Jackson Laboratories, Bar Harbor, ME, USA	000664	Age: 3-week-old
CTAn software	V.1.16 Bruker, Billerica, MA	-	Volumetric analysis
Dolphin software	Navantis, Toronto, CA	-	Linear bone analysis
Implant carrier & Tip	D. P. Machining Inc., La Verne, CA	Unique product	Implant holder
Implant support	D. P. Machining Inc., La Verne, CA	Unique product	Implant capture
Isoflurane	Vet One, Boise, ID	NDC13985-528-60	Inhalational anesthetic
Micro-CT scan 1172	SkyScan, Kontich, Belgium	-	μCT scans
Nrecon Software	Bruker Corporation, Billerica, MA	-	Images reconstruction
Ø 0.3mm - L 2.5mm Micro Drills	Sphinx, Hoffman Estates, IL	ART. 50699	Osteotomy
Ø 0.5mm - L 1.0mm Titanium implants	D. P. Machining Inc., La Verne, CA	Unique product	-
Ophthalmic lubricant	Apexa, Ontario, CA	NDC13985-600-03	Artificial tears
Pin Vise	General Tools, Secaucus, NJ	90	Osteotomy
Rimadyl 50mg/ml	Zoetis, San Diego, CA	4019449	Anti-inflammatory
Sterile cotton tipped	Dynarex, Glendale, AZ	4304-1	Hemostasis
Tip forceps	Fine Science Tools, Foster City, CA	11071-10	Dental Extraction
Tying forceps	Fine Science Tools, Foster City, CA	18025-10	Ligature placement