Anatomical studies of maxillary cheek teeth infundibula in clinically normal horses.
Abstract: Although clinical disorders of equine maxillary cheek teeth (CT) infundibula are common, anatomical knowledge of these structures is poor. Objective: Anatomical examinations of sectioned CT infundibula will better define their shapes and sizes and allow identification of infundibular cemental variations and changes. Methods: Cheek teeth were extracted post mortem from 33 horses, aged 3-30 years, without a clinical history of dental disease. The CT were sectioned longitudinally in the bucco-palatal plane through the widest aspects of both infundibula. The infundibular surfaces were then assessed morphologically, including by measurements of areas of cemental variations and changes. Specimens from selected teeth were examined histologically. Results: Infundibular length and infundibular surface area, and infundibular length as a proportion of dental crown length progressively decreased with age, e.g. infundibular length was up to 89 mm after eruption to 2 mm in one older horse. Triadan 06 and 09 positions had significantly shorter CT and therefore infundibula, than the other 4 Triadan positions. Only 11.7% of infundibula were filled completely with normal appearing cementum, 8.2% of infundibula (especially the 09 position) had complete cemental caries; 22.6% of infundibula had areas with cemental hypoplasia and the remaining 57.5% of infundibulae had a variety of other cemental appearances, including the presence of central defects, localised occlusal caries and cemental discolourations. Histology showed the presence of an apical blood supply to infundibular cement in younger horses. Conclusions: Anatomical variations of CT infundibular cement are very common and some changes, such as areas of localised cemental hypoplasia, may predispose to the development of infundibular caries. Conclusions: This more complete description and quantification of CT infundibular anatomy should allow more rational assessment and treatment of equine CT infundibular disorders.
Publication Date: 2010-02-04 PubMed ID: 20121911DOI: 10.2746/042516409X474761Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research article discusses a detailed anatomical study of maxillary cheek teeth (infundibula) in clinically normal horses. The objective was to understand their shapes, sizes, and potential variations and changes in infundibular cement, with a view to improve the diagnosis and treatment of equine dental disorders.
Research Method
- The teeth samples for the study were extracted post mortem from 33 horses aged between 3 and 30 years, none of which had a history of dental disease.
- These samples were then sectioned longitudinally in the bucco-palatal plane through the widest aspects of both infundibula.
- The surfaces of the infundibula were then assessed morphologically and measurements were taken of areas showcasing cemental variations and changes.
- To ensure a detailed analysis, histological examination of select teeth samples was also conducted.
Research Findings
- The results showed that with increasing age, there was a progressive decrease in infundibular length and surface area, and infundibular length as a proportion of dental crown length.
- The Triadan 06 and 09 positions of the teeth showed noticeably shorter cheek teeth and therefore infundibula.
- Minimal infundibula were found to be completely filled with normal-appearing cementum and some displayed signs of complete cemental caries, especially in the Triadan 09 position.
- A significant 57.5% of the infundibula showcased a variety of other cemental appearances such as central defects, localized occlusal caries, and cemental discolorations.
- Histology displayed signs of an apical blood supply to infundibular cement in younger horses.
Conclusions
- The study concluded that anatomical variations of cheek teeth infundibular cement are very common, and certain changes like localized cemental hypoplasia might contribute to the development of infundibular caries.
- The findings shed light on a more comprehensive knowledge of cheek teeth infundibular anatomy, which could potentially allow for more informed diagnosis and treatment of equine dental disorders.
Cite This Article
APA
Fitzgibbon CM, Du Toit N, Dixon PM.
(2010).
Anatomical studies of maxillary cheek teeth infundibula in clinically normal horses.
Equine Vet J, 42(1), 37-43.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409X474761 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Studies, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Dental Caries / pathology
- Dental Caries / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Tooth / anatomy & histology
Citations
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