Indentation modulus of the alveolar process in dogs.

One mechanism of bone adaptation is alteration in tissue level material properties. We hypothesized that alteration in the indentation modulus of the alveolar process is an adaptive response to the localized mechanical environment. Forty-eight specimens representing anterior and posterior regions of the maxilla and mandible were obtained from 6 mature male beagle dogs. The indentation properties of the alveolar bone proper and more distant osteonal cortical bone were estimated. The bone types were further divided into 3 regions (coronal, middle, and apical), with 27 indents being made in each region of tooth-supporting bone. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the indentation moduli of the jaws (maxilla/mandible), location (anterior/posterior), and bone type (alveolar bone proper vs. cortical bone). However, statistical interactions exist which preclude the simple interpretation of results. The distribution of relative stiffness provides a better understanding of bone adaptations in the alveolar process.