Biomechanics of Dental Implantation in the Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca): A Comparative Study Using Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

Giant pandas have a high incidence of tooth wear, loss, and fracture since their diet is specifically bamboo. Dental implantation is a common treatment for tooth loss in humans while rarely reported in wild animals. To explore the applicability of dental implantation in giant pandas, this study measured mandible parameters of the giant panda, from an adult skeletal specimen. The mandible bone block model was developed using computer-aided design 3D mechanical drawing software. Implants of different radius and thread types of the third premolar tooth (PM3) were assembled and imported into an analysis software system for finite element analysis. As a result, the reverse buttress implant with a radius of 7.5 mm and 8.3 mm, and a length of 15 mm was found to be the most suitable implant for use in the giant panda PM3. This study provides a reference for appropriate clinical giant panda dental implantation, although, the feasibility of giant panda dental implantation needs to be studied further.