Ligature-induced peri-implantitis in mice.

Background and Objective Peri-implantitis has a prevalence of 11-47%, involves destruction of peri-implant bone and may lead to implant loss. A detailed understanding of the pathogenesis of peri-implantitis is lacking. The objective of this study was to develop a murine model of experimental peri-implantitis. Material and Methods Machined, smooth-surface, screw-shaped titanium implants were placed in the healed alveolar bone of the left maxillary molars of C57 BL/6J male mice, 8 wk after tooth extraction. Peri-implantitis was induced by securing silk ligatures around the head of the implant fixtures. Implant survival and peri-implant bone levels were analyzed by micro-computed tomography (micro- CT) scans and histology, 12 wk after ligature placement. Results Implant survival was 60% (six of 10) for implants with ligatures and 100% (eight of eight) for controls. Micro- CT revealed significantly greater bone loss around the implants that received ligatures and that survived, compared with controls. The radiographic findings were confirmed via histology and toluidine blue staining. Conclusion This study describes a murine model of experimental peri-implantitis around screw-shaped titanium implants placed in the edentulous alveolar bone. This model should be a useful tool to dissect pathogenic mechanisms of peri-implantitis and evaluate potential treatment interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]