Long-term follow-up of equine incisor endodontic treatments using an orthograde technique.

This research discusses the suitability and success rate of endodontic treatments for equine incisors suffering from apical and periapical diseases. The study indicated a favorably high success rate and suggests that the use of restorative dental materials, particularly resin composite, can significantly influence the success of these treatments.

Research Methodology

• Conducted as a retrospective clinical study, this research involved horses presented to an equine dental clinic between March 2013 and December 2019. The chosen horses were deemed suitable candidates for endodontic treatment.
• The initial clinical and radiographic data for incisor disorders suitable for endodontic treatment were recorded. The sample incorporated 88 incisors.
• Long-term viability of thirty-two incisors was assessed through follow-up examinations conducted between 8 months to 5 years post-treatment.

Findings and Results

• A total of 68 horses with 88 incisors were included for endodontic restorative treatment.
• A 3-layered technique utilized calcium hydroxide apically and temporary cement and resin composite occlusally as restorative materials. This approach was most commonly used in the first treatment.
• About 48% of cases required a second treatment, during which complete filling with resin composite was performed on 50 incisors.
• In a follow-up examination involving 32 incisors, successful endodontic treatment was reported in 75% of cases.

Conclusions

• The study concludes that endodontic treatment is a viable option for addressing incisor disease in equine patients, with a success rate akin to human applications.
• The usage of flowable resin composite as a filling material proved successful in both second treatments and carefully selected first-treatment patients.