Infundibula of equine maxillary cheek teeth. Part 1: Development, blood supply and infundibular cementogenesis.

This research article investigates the developmental process and diseases of infundibula, specifically in equine maxillary cheek teeth. The study particularly focuses on blood supply and cementogenesis – the formation of dental cement – in these infundibula.

Objective of the Research

• The primary goal of this research is to examine the development of infundibula – deep, funnel-shaped cavities in equine maxillary cheek teeth. This includes analyzing the blood supply mechanism and the process of infundibular cementogenesis.
• The study aims to provide insights into the possible reasons for imperfect cementogenesis causing infundibular necrosis, a condition that can lead to the onset of tooth diseases.

Methodology

• The researchers carried out the examination on forty-one pre-eruptive deciduous maxillary premolars.
• The investigation methods consisted of routine histological and immunohistological processes that made it possible to visualize the blood vessels and enamel organ of the teeth.
• Additionally, certain specimens were scanned using micro-computed tomography for a comprehensive three-dimensional analysis of the developing infundibulum.

Conclusion and Findings

• The study concluded that before eruption in a horse’s teeth, direct blood supply to the infundibula comes from a central infundibular artery, which enters the infundibulum from an occlusal – chewing or biting – direction, and from arteries on both the mesial and distal – front and back – sides.
• The central infundibular artery is destroyed shortly after the tooth eruption, but the mesial and distal arteries continue to play a vital role even post-eruption. However, since the arteries of the distal infundibulum are positioned more apically – closer to the root – than the mesial infundibulum, they receive blood for a longer period.
• The process of cementogenesis begins at distinct enamel in-foldings in the occlusal region of the infundibulum and progresses towards the apical direction.
• The results indicate a distinct asymmetry in the infundibula, where the mesial infundibulum is more likely to have incomplete cementogenesis due to an earlier cessation of blood supply.

Implication

• The findings of the study can help in understanding and treating diseases related to equine teeth, particularly those involving infundibula. It points out the importance of the blood supply in the development and health of teeth, which could assist in devising better strategies for the prevention and cure of related diseases.