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BMC veterinary research2013; 9; 249; doi: 10.1186/1746-6148-9-249

Three-dimensional anatomy of equine incisors: tooth length, enamel cover and age related changes.

Abstract: Equine incisors are subjected to continuous occlusal wear causing multiple, age related changes of the extragingival crown. It is assumed that the occlusal wear is compensated by continued tooth elongation at the apical ends of the teeth. In this study, μCT-datasets offered the opportunity to analyze the three-dimensional appearance of the extra- and intraalveolar parts of the enamel containing dental crown as well as of the enamel-free dental root. Multiple morphometric measurements elucidated age related, morphological changes within the intraalveolar part of the incisors. Results: Equine incisors possess a unique enamel cover displaying large indentations on the mesial and distal sides. After eruption tooth elongation at the apical end outbalances occlusal wear for two to four years resulting in increasing incisor length in this period of time. Remarkably, this maximum length is maintained for about ten years, up to a tooth age of 13 to 15 years post eruption. Variances in the total length of individual teeth are related to different Triadan positions (central-, middle- and corner incisors) as well as to the upper and lower arcades. Conclusions: Equine incisors are able to fully compensate occlusal wear for a limited period of time. However, after this ability ceases, it is expected that a diminished intraalveolar tooth length will cause massive changes in periodontal biomechanics. The time point of these morphodynamic and biomechanical changes (13 to 15 years post eruption) occurs in coincidence with the onset of a recently described destructive disease of equine incisor (equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis) in aged horses. However, further biomechanical, cell biological and microbiological investigations are needed to elucidate a correlation between age related changes of incisor morphology and this disease.
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Publication Date: 2013-12-09 PubMed ID: 24321365PubMed Central: PMC3878928DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-9-249Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research paper explores the three-dimensional anatomy of horse teeth, focusing on the incisors and how they change as the animal ages. It uses advanced imaging data to study these changes, with particular emphasis on how the wear and tear caused by constant chewing is counterbalanced by the continued growth of the tooth.

Methodology

  • The researchers used μCT-datasets to examine the three-dimensional structure of both the above and below gum parts of the horse incisors.
  • This allowed them to assess the enamel-containing dental crown and the enamel-free dental root.
  • Using multiple morphometric measurements, they were able to identify age-related, morphological changes within the sub-gum part of the incisors.

Key Findings

  • Horse incisors were found to possess a unique enamel cover with large indentations on the sides.
  • These teeth continue to grow at their apical (ending) parts after erupting, counteracting occlusal (chewing) wear for 2-4 years which results in increasing tooth length in this period.
  • This maximum length is maintained for about ten years and declines as the horse ages to 13 to 15 years post eruption.
  • The variance in the total length of teeth was found to be linked to different Triadan positions (positions of the incisors in the horse mouth: central, middle and corner incisors) as well as the upper and lower sets of teeth.

Conclusions and Future Directions

  • The researchers concluded that horse incisors are capable of fully compensating for chewing wear and tear for a limited time. After this, a decline in intraalveolar (within the tooth socket) tooth length will cause significant changes in the biomechanics of the periodontal (supporting structures of teeth).
  • The major changes in tooth length and biomechanics coincide with the onset of a recently identified disease that affects horse incisors, called equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis, which affects older horses.
  • The study suggests further exploration into biomechanical, cell biological and microbiological aspects to better understand the correlation between age-related changes of incisor morphology and this disease.

Cite This Article

APA
Schrock P, Lüpke M, Seifert H, Staszyk C. (2013). Three-dimensional anatomy of equine incisors: tooth length, enamel cover and age related changes. BMC Vet Res, 9, 249. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-6148-9-249

Publication

BMC veterinary research
ISSN: 1746-6148
NlmUniqueID: 101249759
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 9
Pages: 249

Researcher Affiliations

Schrock, Patricia
    Lüpke, Matthias
      Seifert, Hermann
        Staszyk, Carsten
        • Institute for Veterinary-Anatomy, -Histology and -Embryology, Faculty for Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Frankfurter Str, 98, D-35392 Giessen, Germany (formerly Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, D-30173 Hannover, Germany. carsten.staszyk@vetmed.uni-giessen.de.

        MeSH Terms

        • Aging / physiology
        • Animals
        • Dental Enamel / anatomy & histology
        • Dental Enamel / diagnostic imaging
        • Dental Enamel / physiology
        • Female
        • Horses / anatomy & histology
        • Incisor / anatomy & histology
        • Incisor / diagnostic imaging
        • Incisor / growth & development
        • Male
        • Tooth Root / anatomy & histology
        • Tooth Root / diagnostic imaging
        • X-Ray Microtomography / veterinary

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        Citations

        This article has been cited 12 times.
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