Abstract
Osseointegration is a complex process that involves the interaction of dental implants,
bone, and the immune system. Preclinical testing was carried out to develop a better
understanding of the mechanism. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging techniques
and immunohistochemistry are excellent tools for this objective as both enable quantitative
assessment of bone microarchitecture and intercellular interaction. An extensive literature
search was conducted using the databases PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley Online, Proquest
and Ebscohost from January 2011 to January 2021. Among the publications retrieved,
the rat model was the most frequently used experimental protocol, with the tibia being
the most frequently implanted site. The region of interest demonstrates a high degree
of homogeneity as measured by trabecula but varies in size and shape. The most frequently
mentioned micro-CT bone parameter and immunohistochemistry bone markers were bone
volume per total volume (BV/TV) and runt-related transcription factors (RUNX). Animal
models, micro-CT analysis methods, and immunohistochemistry biomarkers yielded a variety
of results in the studies. Understanding bone architecture and the remodeling process
will aid in the selection of a viable model for a specific research topic.
Keywords
dental implant - osseointegration - animal model - micro-CT - immunohistochemistry
