Standardized Rat Model Testing Effects of Inflammation and Grafting on Extraction Healing.

Background: Loss of alveolar ridge width and height after tooth extraction is well documented, but models to evaluate ridge preservation are neither standardized nor cost-effective. This rat model characterizes the pattern of bone turnover and inflammation after extraction and bone grafting with or without local simvastatin (SIM).

Methods: Fifty retired-breeder rats underwent extraction of the maxillary right first molar and standard surgical defect creation under inhalation/local anesthesia.