A Study on the Potential Role of Occlusal Fissure Fractures in the Etiopathogenesis of Equine Cheek Teeth Apical Infections.

The research focuses on finding the potential role of occlusal fissure fractures in the development of equine cheek tooth apical infections. The study involved 39 equine check teeth diagnosed with anachoretic apical infections and fissure fractures, as well as 10 control teeth, which were subjected to computed tomography imaging, staining, and visual re-examinations.

Methods of Study

• The 39 equine teeth diagnosed with anachoretic apical infections and fissure fractures, and 10 control teeth, were extracted orally without causing occlusal damage.
• Computed tomography was used to image the teeth individually, after which they were stained with methylene blue and visually reexamined.
• The teeth were then sectioned subocclusally at 5mm intervals until the fissure fractures could no longer be detected. Limited histological study was performed on seven of the infected teeth and five of the control teeth.

Results of the Study

• Standard computed tomography only detected 1 of the 39 fissure fractures, proving it to be a less-effective method of detection.
• Thirteen out of the 39 stained teeth had subocclusal fissure fractures visually identified at approximately 6mm beneath the surface. In nine of these 13 teeth, the fissure fractures had deeper staining to a level immediately above or into a pulp horn. This suggested a potential route for bacterial pulpitis (inflammation of the dental pulp).

Limitations of the Study and Further Research Pathways

• The study mentioned some limitations, notably that the extraction process, long-term formalin storage, or processing of teeth may have allowed for deeper staining. This is a crucial factor that can influence the results and conclusions of the study.
• The study also pointed out that methylene blue may penetrate dental tissue more readily than bacteria can invade, another potential limitation to consider.
• Despite these potential limitations, the study concludes that further research should be conducted on the role of fissure fractures in the etiopathogenesis of cheek teeth apical infections.