A large animal model of periodontal defects in bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a comparison of clinical and radiological findings

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the suitability of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for research in periodontology, with implications for oral implantology, facial traumatology, and all disciplines involved in treating patients with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). Halves of the jaws of 9 Swiss mountain sheep, assigned to a control group (n=3), an osteoporosis group (n=3) and a zoledronate-exposed group (n=3), were examined. Clinical and radiological evaluations were conducted using CBCT imaging to assess whether periodontitis and bone defects were observed to a significant extent after surgical tooth extraction. In contrast to the control and osteoporosis groups, the zoledronate group exhibited significant residual bone defects following tooth extraction (