Anatomy of equine incisors: Pulp horns and subocclusal dentine thickness.

The research study attempts to understand the anatomy of equine incisors, specifically the thickness of subocclusal dentine and the structure of pulp, to prevent unintended exposure of the pulp during dental corrections. The researchers employ high-resolution computed tomography to measure the distances between pulp cavities and tooth surfaces, and examine if these distances varied with age. They also investigated the configuration of pulp horns in the incisors.

Methodology

• Conducting an observational study using cadaver horse heads, the researchers removed the upper and lower incisor arcades.’
• These incisor arcades were them observed under high-resolution computed tomography to obtain detailed scans.
• 3D models of the scans were created to better understand the structure and number of pulp horns inside the incisors.
• Anatomical markers were employed to accurately measure the distances between the pulp horn tips and the labial (front-facing) and occlusal (biting) surfaces of the incisors.

Results

• The research established the range of subocclusal dentine thickness in upper incisors between 1.5 and 11.7 mm, and between 0.7 and 6.7 mm in lower incisors. It was found that this thickness decreases as the tooth ages.
• The distance between the pulp and the labial aspect ranged from 3.5 to 9.0 mm in upper incisors and from 3.8 to 8.1 mm in lower incisors. This distance increased with tooth age.

Conclusions

• The researchers acknowledge that details about horses’ management, feeding, and previous dental care were not available, leaving potential influencing factors unconsidered.
• Despite finding a mean subocclusal dentine thickness greater than 4.1 mm, there were cases with less than 1mm of thickness. This provides potential risk for unintended pulpar exposure during incisor reduction procedures.
• The study concludes by urging practitioners to exercise caution during incisor reduction to avoid potential damage to the pulp.