Study on Standardized Imaging Analysis Methods for Single-rooted Tooth Site Preservation in Rats

doi:10.13701/j.cnki.kqyxyj.2025.10.007

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To establish a standardized alveolar bone defect model in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat single-rooted teeth guided by micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) anatomical analysis, develop quantitative region-of-interest (ROI) parameters, and validate the analytical protocol's feasibility for bone regeneration assessment. Methods: Fifteen 5-month-old male SD rats were randomized into three groups: anatomical analysis group for micro-CT guided defect parameter determination, blank control (Control) and positive (guided bone regeneration, GBR) groups for verification. The standard defect (2 mm diameter × 2 mm depth) was created in the maxillary first molar. Micro-CT was used to analyze the quantified buccal bone height loss (BBHL) and regenerated bone parameters. Results: A standardized alveolar bone defect model was successfully established in SD rats, preserving intact adjacent teeth and a buccal bone wall thickness of (0.36±0.06) mm in the defect region, consistent with the morphological characteristics of single-rooted tooth defects in clinical. At 8 weeks post-operation, compared to the Control group, the GBR group demonstrated significant reductions in BBHL at both the midpoint and lowest point, as well as in trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) (P<0.05). Concurrently, the GBR group exhibited a significant increase in bone volume fraction (BV/TV) (P<0.05) and improvements in trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) and trabecular number (Tb.N). Conclusion: This micro-CT-guided protocol establishes a reproducible thin-wall alveolar defect model to mimic single-rooted teeth with standardized analytical parameters, providing a reliable preclinical evaluation tool for alveolar ridge preservation techniques and bone regeneration material development.

Key words: micro-CT, site preservation, animal model, quantitative analysis, alveolar bone defect

YANG Zhikang, LI Ling, PENG Tiwu, REN Guanghui, WANG Xinluan, JIANG Yuxi, LIU Zhonghao. Study on Standardized Imaging Analysis Methods for Single-rooted Tooth Site Preservation in Rats[J]. Journal of Oral Science Research, 2025, 41(10): 875-882.

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