The Incidence of Radiographic Lesions of Endodontic Origin Associated With Uncomplicated Crown Fractures of the Maxillary Fourth Premolar in Canine Patients

Intraoral Radiographic Interpretation Agreement Between Veterinary Students, Veterinary Dental Residents and Veterinary Dental Specialists

This study evaluated observer variations in the interpretation of radiographic evidence for periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and endodontic disease in dogs. Forty dental radiographs were evaluated for 12 different parameters (periapical destruction of bone, wider than expected root canal, narrower than expected root canal, apical root resorption, loss of alveolar bone, external surface resorption, external replacement resorption, external inflammatory resorption, external cervical root resorption, internal surface resorption, internal replacement resorption, internal inflammatory resorption). Interpretations by 20 veterinary dentists, 10 veterinary dental residents, and 10 veterinary students were analyzed for consistency within groups and between groups by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs [95% CI]). Additionally, the agreement rate between groups compared to histopathological diagnosis, when available, and to a consensus group were evaluated. The results showed fair to good interobserver agreement for all participants when looking at all questions simultaneously (0.578 [0.515-0.635]) and with the consensus group (0.483 [0.451-0.517]). However, questions pertaining to various types of tooth resorption scored the lowest ICCs ranging from 0.005 (-0.311 to 0.321) to 0.189 (-0.105 to 0.402) across individual groups. Students had the lowest agreement compared to the consensus group for all questions (0.383 [0.347-0.421]) with fair to good agreement involving groups of residents (0.501 [0.465-0.538]), recently boarded diplomates (0.541 [0.506-0.578]), and more experienced diplomates (0.545 [0.510-0.582]). While dental radiographs are essential for clinical decision making, this study shows that interpretation of radiographs is highly subjective.

Comparative Morphology of the Carnassial Teeth Root Canals in Mixed-Breed Dogs and German Shepherds

Root canal treatment of carnassial teeth in dogs is a common endodontic technique which aims to re-establish or maintain the health of the periapical tissues. In total, 43 dogs were used in this study. Root canal morphology was evaluated in 86 superior fourth premolars and 86 inferior first molars. Apical delta was present in 247 roots, while obliteration of the root canal was found in 11 roots. The most common type of apical delta of the roots of superior fourth premolars was type II, with up to 10 apical ramifications, while type IIIA, with 10-20 apical ramifications, was most commonly present in the roots of inferior first molars. Considering that knowledge of the morphology of root canals is essential for a successful endodontic procedure, the aim of this study was to analyze and compare the morphology of root canals in the carnassial teeth of German shepherds and mixed-breed dogs. Apical resection for the purpose of endodontic therapy of the superior fourth premolar and the inferior first molar is indicated at a length of 4 to 6 mm from the anatomical tip of the roots, which would completely remove the apical delta of these two teeth.

Success of orthodontic treatment of linguoverted mandibular canine teeth using a direct inclined plane appliance

This study evaluated the success rate of orthodontic treatment of linguoverted mandibular canines in dogs using a directly applied inclined plane device. Medical records were retrospectively evaluated at 11 veterinary dental specialty hospitals from 1999 to 2021. Malocclusion classes included 41.7% in class 1, 47.2% in class 2, 6.9% in class 3, and 4.2% in class 4. The severity of linguoversion was mild in 7.6% of teeth, moderate in 33.9%, and severe in 58.5%. There was complete resolution of linguoversion in 71.2% of teeth, functional resolution in 25.4%, and failure in 3.4%. The median treatment time was 42 (11-174) days. Adjuvant orthodontic treatments were performed at the same time as the inclined plane in 45.7% of teeth, including active force orthodontics, extractions of non-strategic teeth, gingivectomy, and odontoplasty. While the inclined plane was in place, 31.4% of dogs required an anesthetized appliance adjustment, and at the time of appliance removal, complications occurred in 19.4% of dogs. Of the teeth that had initial resolution, 14.4% had rebound movement that required additional treatment. This study supports the idea that an acrylic inclined plane is a good treatment option for linguoverted mandibular canines, with a 96.6% success rate within a median of 6 weeks. Yet, orthodontic retention may be necessary in these cases to avoid the need for additional therapies.

Prevalence and etiology of dentoalveolar trauma in 1,592 United States military working dogs: A 1-year retrospective study

The objective of this study was to quantify the overall prevalence and classification of traumatic dentoalveolar injury (TDI) in a large population of military working dogs (MWDs). The medical records of 1,592 MWDs undergoing routine oral exam and periodontal treatment over a 1-year period were reviewed. The MWDs were located at over 100 military veterinary treatment facilities across the globe. Patient signalment, occupational duty certification, tooth injured, and trauma etiology were recorded. The overall prevalence of TDI was 43.6%. The mean number of TDI per MWD was 1.2. Maxillary tooth fractures were the most common at 60.9% compared to mandibular tooth fractures 39.1%. The most common TDI was enamel-dentin-pulp fractures which accounted for 59.9% of all injuries. Specialized Search Dogs (SSDs) had the highest average of enamel-dentin and enamel-dentin-pulp tooth trauma. Incidental findings with an unknown cause accounted for the majority of tooth trauma 69.2% followed by housing 18.2%, bite work 6.2%, and blunt force trauma 6.0%. The frequency of TDI in the MWD population was substantial, with more than one out of every four MWDs requiring treatment. The probability of a tooth injury in the MWD population was nearly double compared to the pet dog population. Tooth type and age were significant predictors of severe tooth trauma requiring treatment. Improved understanding of MWD tooth trauma prevalence and risk factors will help drive change while maintaining deployment readiness of the team.