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Topic:Dental Health
Dental health in horses encompasses the study of the structure, function, and maintenance of equine teeth and oral tissues. It involves understanding the anatomy of horse teeth, which are adapted for grinding fibrous plant material, and the common dental issues that can arise, such as malocclusions, sharp enamel points, and periodontal disease. Regular dental examinations and treatments are essential for ensuring proper mastication and overall well-being. This topic covers the research and findings related to equine dental anatomy, common dental pathologies, and the impact of dental health on nutrition and performance. The collection includes peer-reviewed studies and scholarly articles that explore diagnostic techniques, treatment strategies, and preventive care practices in equine dentistry.
The Gingiva of Horses With Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction: A Macroscopic Anatomical Evaluation. Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is a common neurodegenerative disease mainly in horses older than 15 years. The domestic equine population is following the same demographic change as that seen in humans; it is aging and veterinarians are asked to attend to geriatric horses more frequently. Common problems seen regularly in older equines are dental disorders and especially periodontal disease. As a systemic and endocrine disease, associated with delayed wound healing and impaired immune function, PPID should be considered before major dental treatment in aged equines is started. Po...
Application of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as a Healing Aid after Extraction of Incisors in the Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis Syndrome. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a stress-free, relatively safe method supporting the treatment of many different diseases. Although it is widely used in human medicine (including dentistry), in veterinary medicine, especially in the treatment of horses, there are not many scientifically described and documented cases of its use. Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis syndrome is a disease that affects older horses and significantly reduces their quality of life. The only effective treatment for this condition is extraction of the incisors. The described case compares the...
Long-Term Follow-Up of Restorations of Equine Cheek Teeth Infundibula (2006-2017). Caries of the infundibula of equine cheek teeth can lead to significant dental disease including increased attritional wear, pulpar and apical disease, secondary sinusitis, and dental fracture. Restorations of cavities of equine cheek teeth infundibula have been performed since 1889. Recent advances in dental materials, instrumentation, and techniques have facilitated the use of dental restoration techniques by equine veterinary practitioners. No studies to date have demonstrated the safety or efficacy of restorations of equine cheek teeth infundibula. Objective: To assess the long-term result...
A Computerized Simulation of the Occlusal Surface in Equine Cheek Teeth: A Simplified Model. Equine mastication, as well as dental wear patterns, is highly important for the development of treatments in equine dentistry. During the last decades, the stress and strain distributions of equine teeth have been successfully simulated using finite element analysis. Yet, to date, there is no simulation available for dental tooth wear in equines. In this study, we developed a simplified two-dimensional computer simulation of dental wear. It provides a first tentative explanation for the development of the marked physiological inclination of the occlusal surface and for pathological conditions...
Semi-Automatic Segmentation of Cone Beam Computed Tomography Datasets for Volume Measurements of Equine Cheek Teeth. The volumes of equine teeth may change considerably over time for several reasons including domestication, routine dental floating, and the hypsodont and anelodont nature of the teeth. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of the head is routinely performed in standing horses and, in this proof of concept study, the feasibility of measuring tooth volume from CBCT datasets was determined. The CBCT images of 5 equine cadaver cheek teeth were segmented with a software 3-dimensional (3D) Slicer using a predefined protocol, corrected manually, and re-assembled into a 3D model. Individual tooth volum...
Age estimation of Arabian mares by incisors morphometry and dentition changes. Accurate estimation of a horse's age based on the condition of the tooth status is necessary as a scientific and artistic technique, which has not been performed so far in pure Arabian horses of Khuzestan (southern west of Iran). This study aimed to investigate the age-dependent changes in the morphology and morphometry of the incisors in Arabian mares of Khuzestan to estimate age and to compare the estimated dental age and actual age. In this study, 78 Arabian mares of Khuzestan were examined in several equestrian clubs. Then, images were taken with a digital camera from the vestibular and oc...
Tooth Elongation of Maxillary Second Premolars and Mandibular Third Molars and Associated Periodontal Disease in Horses: A Retrospective Study. Periodontal disease has been identified in horses and donkeys through the millennia at a prevalence of up to 75% and is a leading cause of tooth loss in horses. We hypothesize that there is a correlation between tooth elongations and periodontal disease. Dental records of all client owned horses examined by a single AVDC/equine board certified practitioner in 2016-2018 were analyzed. Inclusion criteria consisted of the examination finding of tooth elongation of one of the following teeth pairs 106/107, 206/207, 310/311, or 410-411. The included cases were then examined for the finding of perio...
The facultative human oral pathogen Prevotella histicola in equine cheek tooth apical/ periapical infection: a case report. Prevotella histicola is a facultative oral pathogen that under certain conditions causes pathologies such as caries and periodontitis in humans. Prevotella spp. also colonize the oral cavity of horses and can cause disease, but P. histicola has not yet been identified. Methods: A 12-year-old Tinker mare was referred to the clinic for persistent, malodorous purulent nasal discharge and quidding. Conservative antibiotic (penicillin), antiphlogistic (meloxicam), and mucolytic (dembrexine-hydrochloride) treatment prior to referral was unsuccessful and symptoms worsened. Oral examination, radiograp...
Lateral alveolar ridge augmentation using an equine-derived collagen-containing bone block: A prospective case series. To assess the clinical performance of an equine-derived collagen-containing bone block (CXBB) for lateral alveolar ridge augmentation and staged implant placement. Methods: A total of n = 16 patients (16 implants) had received a modified surgical protocol for lateral ridge augmentation using a size-adapted rigidly fixed CXBB and contour augmentation. After 26 weeks of submerged healing, the primary endpoint was defined as the final ridge width (RW26) sufficient to place an adequately dimensioned titanium implant at the respective sites. Secondary outcomes included the gain in ridge width (R...
Maxillary Dentigerous Cyst with Double Wolf Teeth in a 3-Year-Old Quarter Horse Mare. Dentigerous cysts are characterised by the formation of cysts containing dental material with a variable level of development. They are the result of a distinct embryological phenomenon. Usually, they are of significant clinical relevance in horses, especially in tandem with ectopic tooth. Contrarily, supernumerary teeth or typical polyodontias usually have limited impact. In this case report, we describe the occurrence of a supernumerary first premolar (Triadan 105). Dissimilar to known scientific literature however was the formation of a cystic structure around the supernumerary tooth. Surgi...
Studies of Peculiar Mg-Containing and Oscillating Bioapatites in Sheep and Horse Teeth. New types of biological apatites have been discovered in molar sheep and horse teeth and are divided in two types. In the first and more general type, the release of Mg ions is parallel to the changes in composition of apatite leading to a final stoichiometric ratio of Ca to P ions, going from dentin depth towards the boundary of enamel with air. Inside dentin, another apatite sub-types were discovered with alternating layers of Mg-rich and C-rich apatites. The approximate formal stoichiometric relationships for these peculiar types of bioapatites are suggested. We identified two kinds of ion-...
Fracture Resistance of Equine Cheek Teeth With and Without Occlusal Fissures: A Standardized ex vivo Model. fracture models are frequently used in human dentistry to provide insights in the fracture mechanisms of teeth. Equine cheek teeth fractures are an important dental pathology, but there has been no research performed to examine the fracture resistance . To evaluate the fracture resistance of equine cheek teeth and identify anatomical predictors that might influence fracture resistance in healthy teeth. It was further evaluated if the presence of a fissure caused a decrease in fracture resistance. experimental design. Individual cheek teeth were subjected to a compression load in a univer...
Bacterial Contamination of Equine Dentistry Equipment-Effect of Cleaning and Disinfection. Equine dentistry has developed immensely and human dental equipment, such as handpieces, are often used. Measures to avoid the spread of infectious microorganisms are important, but this is challenging since handpieces are difficult to decontaminate. Thus, it is necessary to develop effective IPC measures in equine dentistry. The aim of this study was to contribute to the evidence needed for future evidence-based guidelines on IPC by investigating hygiene in equine dentistry. Used handpieces and dummies (i.e., handpieces not used during dental procedure, reflecting environmental bacterial cont...
A computed tomographic study of endodontic and apical changes in 81 equine cheek teeth with sagittal fractures. Sagittal fractures of equine cheek teeth are commonly observed during oral examination. There are few reports on the apical and endodontic pathology associated with such fractures seen during computed tomographic (CT) examination. Objective: This study aimed to document the prevalence of CT changes indicative of apical disease in equine cheek teeth, which have suffered a sagittal fracture involving the clinical ± reserve crown. Methods: This study is a retrospective case series. Methods: CT examinations of equine heads with sagittal fractures of cheek teeth present were reviewed: 81 teeth f...
Equine “Idiopathic” and Infundibular Caries-Related Cheek Teeth Fractures: A Long-Term Study of 486 Fractured Teeth in 300 Horses. Background: Limited objective information is available on the prevalence of non-traumatic equine cheek teeth fractures, the signalment of affected horses, and the clinical features and treatment of these fractures. Objectives: This study aims to document patterns of idiopathic and infundibular caries-related cheek teeth fractures in a referral population and evaluate associations between fracture patterns and horse age, Triadan position of affected teeth, clinical signs, and deemed necessity for treatment. Study Design: A retrospective case review. Methods: The clinical records at Edinburgh Un...
Multidetector CT and cone-beam CT have substantial agreement in detecting dental and sinus abnormalities in equine cadaver heads. The performance of cone-beam CT (CBCT) systems compared to conventional helical multidetector CT (MDCT) imaging of the equine head is unknown. The aim of this prospective, method-comparison study was to compare the ability of CBCT and MDCT to detect abnormalities in equine cadaver heads. Eleven equine cadaver heads were scanned using a CBCT scanner and a 64-slice MDCT scanner. Consensus evaluations for CBCT and MDCT scans were performed by three observers. Identified abnormalities were grouped into subcategories with a focus on dental abnormalities. Kappa agreement values between detected abno...
Evolution of Old World Equus and origin of the zebra-ass clade. Evolution of the genus Equus has been a matter of long debate with a multitude of hypotheses. Currently, there is no consensus on either the taxonomic content nor phylogeny of Equus. Some hypotheses segregate Equus species into three genera, Plesippus, Allohippus and Equus. Also, the evolutionary role of European Pleistocene Equus stenonis in the origin of the zebra-ass clade has been debated. Studies based on skull, mandible and dental morphology suggest an evolutionary relationship between North American Pliocene E. simplicidens and European and African Pleistocene Equus. In this contributio...
Bacterial meningitis after dental extraction in a 17-year-old horse. Dental extractions in horses may result in bacteremia, which can lead to systemic complications. Bacterial meningitis following oral cheek tooth extractions in a 17-year-old Thoroughbred gelding is described in this report. The bacterial meningitis was confirmed by histopathology. The gelding was presented for evaluation of intermittent fever, loose feces, and mild colic signs which started 5 days after cheek tooth extraction. This case illustrates a rare complication associated with oral tooth extraction in a horse and highlights the unusual presenting features of meningitis. Key clinical mes...
Exodontia associated bacteremia in horses characterized by next generation sequencing. Bacteremia resulting from dental surgery is increasingly recognized as a health risk, especially in older and immunocompromised patients. Dentistry-associated bacteremia can lead to remote infections, as exemplified by valvular endocarditis. Emerging evidence points to a novel role played by oral cavity commensals in the pathogenesis of diabetes, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Whether dental extraction, a commonly undertaken procedure in old horses, causes bacteremia has not been reported extensively. In a prospective clinical study using next gene...
EOTRH Syndrome in Polish Half-Bred Horses – Two Clinical Cases. The aim of this paper is to thoroughly describe the etiology, diagnostic processes and recommended treatment of equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH). It is a relatively recently described disease. Most recent reports show that it is a common problem involving older equine patients. The most common and significant symptom of EOTRH is oral pain. The main clinical signs include periodontitis and gingivitis with a gingival recession, alveolar bone protrusion, periodontic fistulas and soreness of the incisors. When establishing the final diagnosis, it is necessary to co...
Retrospective case review investigating the effect of replacing oaten hay with a non-cereal hay on equine peripheral caries in 42 cases. Equine peripheral caries can cause significant morbidity and can have considerable welfare implications. Recent research suggests that diets with high water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content are associated with high risk of peripheral caries. Previous work has indicated that the condition may be treatable if the inciting cause is removed and the damaged tooth allowed to erupt out, being replaced by the unaffected tooth previously under the gingival margin. Objective: To see whether the peripheral caries process can be ceased if oaten hay (typically high WSC) is removed from the diet and repla...
A Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing the Effects of Feeding High Water Soluble Carbohydrate (WSC) Oaten Hay Versus Low WSC Oaten Hay on Equine Peripheral Dental Caries. Equine peripheral caries (PC) can cause significant dental pathology and appears to be increasing in prevalence and recognition in many areas [1, 2]. Previous studies have identified risk factors for the condition including the feeding of oaten hay [3]. It was hypothesized that this may be due to the higher water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) or "sugar" content of the hay. A randomized control trial involving 30 horses on three properties was completed. The horses were randomly assigned to two groups: high WSC (H-WSC) or low WSC (L-WSC) oaten hay and were then sedated and intraoral photographs an...
Quantitative and qualitative analysis of operator inhaled aerosols during routine motorised equine dental treatment. Routine equine odontoplasty is performed by both Veterinary Surgeons and Equine Dental Technicians. The production of aerosolised particulates from motorised equipment has been well documented in human orthodontics but has yet to be investigated in the veterinary industry. Objective: To assess the size, quantity and composition of particulates produced during routine motorised odontoplasty and to model their deposition in the human respiratory tree. Methods: Analytic observational study. Methods: Fifteen-minute routine motorised odontoplasties were performed on cadaver heads with monitoring eq...
Investigation of Oral Microbiome in Donkeys and the Effect of Dental Care on Oral Microbial Composition. The objective of this study was to investigate the oral microbial composition of the donkey and whether basic dental treatment, such as dental floating, would make a difference to the oral microbial environment in donkeys with dental diseases using high-throughput bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Oral swab samples were collected from 14 donkeys with various dental abnormalities on day 0 (before treatment) and day 20 (twenty days after treatment). It is the first report focusing on the oral microbiome in donkeys with dental diseases and the impact of common dental procedures thereon. Identif...
Occlusal Fissures in Equine Cheek Teeth: A Prospective Longitudinal in vivo Study. It has been suggested that fissures of the occlusal surface of equine cheek teeth may develop into crown fractures. To examine the evolution of fissures present on the occlusal surface of cheek teeth. Furthermore, to investigate the presence of a fissure as a risk factor for the development of a subsequent crown fracture. Observational longitudinal study. Bi-annual dental examinations were performed on 36 horses for 3 years. Video-recordings were made to evaluate the evolution of detected fissures. The effect of possible predictors on the development of tooth fractures was investigated by ...
Standing Sedation and Iocoregional Analgesia in Equine Dental Surgery. Procedural sedation has become popular for describing a semiconscious state that allows patients to be comfortable during certain surgical or diagnostic procedures. Sedation may be enhanced by locoregional anesthetic techniques to produce sufficient analgesia and muscle relaxation for surgery to occur. Sedation and local anesthesia for standing diagnostic and surgical procedures on the horse's head circumvents the potential complications of general anesthesia (particularly, complications related to recovery). However, the implementation of a locoregional anesthetic technique requires a thoroug...
A Brief History of Equine Dental Practice. Equine dentistry has been practiced for almost 3000 years, making it one of the oldest areas of equine health care. Progress has been slow and mirrored changes seen in human medical care. Many horsemen practiced equine dentistry during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Most of what was known then concentrated on sharp enamel points and abnormal dental occlusal wear. This changed slowly in the late twentieth century as research in equine dentistry increased. Today, veterinarians performing equine dentistry focus on detailed oral examination and base treatment for proper diagno...
Minimizing Equine Tooth Extraction Complications. Oral extraction has become the most popular extraction technique owing to its high rate of success with minimal major complication. Repulsion continues to produce unacceptably high iatrogenic complication rates. To avoid tooth repulsion, veterinary dentists have introduced procedures to facilitate difficult intraoral extractions and surgical extraction techniques. Minimizing complications is best achieved preoperatively. A comprehensive preoperative evaluation and treatment plan allows the dentist to predict intraoperative complication and prepare for procedures to produce the best outcome. Wi...
Equine Oral Extraction Techniques. This article serves as a template for equine veterinarians to become proficient in basic intraoral premolar and molar extraction techniques of Equidae. Indications, equipment, and methodology are described. Numerous photos and videos are included to achieve a more immersive learning experience than can be accomplished with the written word alone. Clinicians performing these techniques will continue to improve their skillsets to achieve positive outcomes as case specifics become more challenging.
