A rat model of gingivoperiosteoplasty

The ability to avoid a subsequent bone graft makes the use of gingivoperios teoplasty (GPP) at the time of cleft lip repair an attractive technique. Th e use of GPP, in combination with presurgical orthodontics, has been shown to result in successful bony union in the majority of patients. However, se condary bone grafting is still necessary in 30% to 40% of patients due to p ersistent alveolar bony defects. The elucidation of methods to improve the success rates of these procedures has been hampered by the lack of reproduc ible animal models. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to develop a rodent model of GPP that would facilitate the investigation of methods to i mprove osteogenesis in alveolar defects. We report a surgically produced ra t model (9 x 5 x 3-mm alveolar defect) that is reproducible, inexpensive (r elative to large-animal models), and simple technically. In addition, heali ng in this model occurs in a predictable manner during a 12-week period, th us enabling analysis of methods designed to accelerate or facilitate osseou s regeneration.