Animal models used in furcation perforation studies: a systematic review and comprehensive synthesis of model characteristics

In order to systematise furcation perforation (FP) experimental animal models described in the literature and to determine whether there is evidence that a model is superior to others, MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO and Cochrane Library were searched to find studies which used animal models of FP. Data were gathered concerning model characteristics, chosen groups, sample numbers, type of outcomes, journal and main area studied. Twenty-five articles were included in this systematic review, four conducted in rodent models, three in non-human primates and 18 in dogs. Medians were six animals and 34 teeth per study; 10 teeth per test group and, when performed, six teeth per control group. Twenty-four studies investigated the use of materials for FP repair; eight also tested adjuvant materials/substances. Although there is no model which can be described as ideal and superior than others for FP studies, dogs appear to possess the most suitable model characteristics.