[Endodontics in horses. An experimental study].

This study explores the effectiveness of different endodontic treatments in horses. It involves 44 procedures performed on the incisors of eight horses using four varying types of endodontic paste, and observes the animals over a period of 18 months.

Methodology

• 44 experiments were carried out on the incisors of eight horses. This allowed for a substantial sample size and provided ample data for evaluation. The horses were of different ages, ensuring a diverse range of characteristics in the subjects under study.

Endodontic Treatments

• The researchers used four different endodontic pastes in the study. These pastes – Cloropercha, AH26 De Trey, Eugenol-Endometasone, and Universal N2 – are all commonly used in endodontic treatments. This variety enabled the evaluation of the performance of each paste in a similar environment.
• In the final two treatments, gutta-percha points were added. Gutta-percha is a common material used for root canal fillings and provided an additional variable for the researchers to analyze.

Treatment Procedure

• The pulp cavity of the horses’ incisors was accessed through the vestibular and occlusal faces. This allowed a direct pathway to the area under examination.
• Holes drilled in the vestibular faces were sealed with composite while those in the occlusal faces were sealed with Amalgama. This was done to protect the surrounding tissue and maintain the integrity of the tooth structure after cavity preparation.

Observation Period

• After the endodontic procedures, the horses were closely monitored for at least eighteen months. This provided a significant time frame to examine any potential long-term effects or complications.
• Radiographic controls were done immediately after the surgery and before slaughtering. These images offered a detailed view of the treated teeth and helped identify any changes or issues that may have arisen.

Results

• Across the experiment, all horses remained in good condition. They exhibited no apparent difficulties when eating and showed no overt clinical or radiological signs of suffering or distress.
• The treated incisors and alveoli were studied histopathologically, an analysis performed at the tissue level to assess both the disease state and the treatment effects.