Mechanical adaptation of trabecular bone morphology in the mammalian mandible

Peter J Watson,Flora Gröning,Michael J Fagan,Carlo Meloro,Laura C Fitton

doi:10.1038/s41598-018-25597-0

Abstract

Alveolar bone, together with the underlying trabecular bone, fulfils an important role in providing structural support against masticatory forces. Diseases such as osteoporosis or periodontitis cause alveolar bone resorption which weakens this structural support and is a major cause of tooth loss. However, the functional relationship between alveolar bone remodelling within the molar region and masticatory forces is not well understood. This study investigated this relationship by comparing mammalian species with different diets and functional loading (Felis catus, Cercocebus atys, Homo sapiens, Sus scrofa, Oryctolagus cuniculus, Ovis aries). We performed histomorphometric analyses of trabecular bone morphology (bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness and trabecular spacing) and quantified the variation of bone and tooth root volumes along the tooth row. A principal component analysis and non-parametric MANOVA showed statistically significant differences in trabecular bone morphology between species with contrasting functional loading, but these differences were not seen in sub-adult specimens. Our results support a strong, but complex link between masticatory function and trabecular bone morphology. Further understanding of a potential functional relationship could aid the diagnosis and treatment of mandibular diseases causing alveolar bone resorption, and guide the design and evaluation of dental implants.

Highlights

Alveolar bone encloses the tooth roots to provide an attachment site for the periodontal ligament and secure anchorage of the teeth
Tooth loss is often followed by an irreversible process of further alveolar bone resorption that spreads throughout the alveolar ridge[7], increasing the risk of further tooth loss
In order to establish the cause of alveolar bone resorption and effective treatment strategies, it is essential to understand the influence of masticatory forces upon bone remodelling within the mandible

Summary

Introduction

Alveolar bone encloses the tooth roots to provide an attachment site for the periodontal ligament and secure anchorage of the teeth. This remodelling process can be affected by common diseases such as osteoporosis[2,3] and periodontitis[4], which cause a decrease in trabecular bone volume[5] and a reduction in height of the alveolar ridge[6] This reduced structural support can lead to instability of the teeth and eventually tooth loss. Liu et al.[40] observed that any disruption of normal occlusal function can lead to changes in trabecular structure in the rat mandible Such histomorphometric studies suggest a functional relationship exists between remodelling of the molar trabecular bone and masticatory forces, they are limited to the analysis of a single species. Despite its potential to further our understanding of molar bone remodelling, a comparison of the trabecular architecture between different species has yet to be attempted

Methods

Results

Conclusion