Validity and Variability of Animal Models Used in Dentistry

Background: Animal models have contributed to dental literature for several decades. The major aim of this review was to outline tooth development stages in mice, and attempt to addressing potential strain differences. A literature review was performed using electronic and hand-searching methods for the animal models in dentistry with special emphasis on mice and dentistry. Root canal development in both C57BL/6 and BALB/c strains were investigated. There are a number of published reports regarding the morphogenesis and molecular reaction and maturation stages of mice molars. We observed some similarity between the mice and human odontegeneis as primary factor for tooth development. Although mice may present some technical challenges, including the small size of the mouse molars, they have similar stages as humans for molar development, and can be used to monitor the effects of various biomaterials, regeneration, and remodeling. Thus, mice provide an ideal alternative model to study developmental and regenerative processes in dentistry