Forces on the Incisor Teeth During Odontoplasty of the Cheek Teeth in Sedated Horses.

This research paper examines the force exerted on a horse’s incisors during odontoplasty – a procedure that reshapes the cheek teeth – under sedation. It particularly focuses on the effect mouth specula with incisor bite plates has, and the potential destructive impact this may have on the structures of the horse’s head. Utilizing a modified mouth speculum with an integrated force transducer, the study recorded forces at varying incisor separation distances and when dental rasping occurred, discovering a link between increasing bodyweight and mandible length and increasing forces.

Research Methodology

• The study was conducted using a modified version of the “Günther” mouth speculum, which was equipped with a force transducer positioned along the force axis. This allowed the researchers to precisely measure and document the forces exerted on the horse’s incisor teeth during odontoplasty.
• The measurements were recorded at various incisor separation distances and during dental rasping at a predefined incisor separation distance.

Results

• The recorded forces showed a significant difference at incisor separation distances of 82mm, 92mm, and 102mm. Specifically, the median loads on the incisors were 198.88 N, 214.18 N, and 293.95 N respectively at these distances.
• It was also observed that there was a difference in force during active treatment with a mechanical bur compared to when no active mechanical bur was used, with maximum peaks reaching up to 3783.60 N.

Findings

• Notably, the study found a correlational relationship between increasing bodyweight and mandible length, with increasing forces on the horse’s incisor teeth. This is likely due to the larger physical attributes requiring more force during the procedure.
• Interestingly, the study did not find any influence on force development from factors such as age, gender, and the regularity of dental treatments.

Implications

• These findings spotlight the potential pathological pressures directed on a horse’s dental, osseous, and soft tissue structures of the head during odontoplasty. Moreover, single reports of maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw) fractures during the treatment further emphasize these risks.
• Ultimately, this study should stimulate further research and discuss alterations in tools or methodologies, trying to reduce these forces, and maximize the safety and welfare of horses undergoing dental treatments.