Animal models of vertical bone augmentation (Review)

Vertical bone augmentation is an important challenge in dental implantology. Existing vertical bone augmentation techniques, along with bone grafting materials, have achieved certain clinical progress but continue to have numerous limitations. In order to evaluate the possibility of using biomaterials to develop bone substitutes, medical devices and/or new bone grafting techniques for vertical bone augmentation, it is essential to establish clinically relevant animal models to investigate their biocompatibility, mechanical properties, applicability and safety. The present review discusses recent animal experiments related to vertical bone augmentation. In addition, surgical protocols for establishing relevant preclinical models with various animal species were reviewed. The present study aims to provide guidance for selecting experimental animal models of vertical bone augmentation.