Characterization of the Correct Mandibular Premolar Region for Delayed Dental Implantation in Beagle Dogs.

For delayed dental implantation into the mandible, the implant size should be chosen according to the characteristics of that bone. This study investigated anatomic features of the mandible in beagle dogs, to develop recommendations regarding the correct implantation region and available bone area for delayed dental implantation surgery. We used 20 healthy male beagle dogs to create delayed dental implantation models. The dogs' mandibles underwent cone beam CT (CBCT) imaging; the locations of the middle mental foramen and canine root apex were measured on CBCT images. The dogs then were euthanized and their mandibles measured by using a digital vernier caliper. In addition, the correct implantation region and available bone areas were evaluated. The data obtained by using the 2 measuring methods were compared statistically. The results showed that the positions of the middle mental foramen and canine root apex were relatively fixed, with little variation. The implantation and available bone regions showed little variation among dogs and did not differ significantly between the 2 measuring methods. In conclusion, the correct implantation region (mean ± 1 SD) in the beagle mandible for delayed dental implantation surgery was 17.53 ± 0.46 mm in width. The recommended available bone areas (height × width) were 7.22 ± 0.68 mm × 5.32 ± 0.49 mm (P2), 8.21 ± 0.71 mm × 5.81 ± 0.56 mm (P3), and 9.17 ± 0.65 mm × 6.39 ± 0.56 mm (P4) in the premolar region.