Anatomical studies of maxillary cheek teeth infundibula in clinically normal horses.

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.