Mandibular Carnassial Tooth Malformations in 6 Dogs-Micro-Computed Tomography and Histology Findings

Morphological study of pulp cavity anatomy of canine teeth in domestic cats using micro-computed tomography

An understanding of the pulp cavity anatomy of individual teeth is essential for success during endodontic therapy. The objective of this study was to document pulp cavity anatomy and summarize numerical data of maxillary and mandibular canine teeth of domestic cats using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Thirty-nine canine teeth from eleven domestic cat cadaveric specimens were extracted and prepared for scanning. Segmentation of the pulp cavity was performed using the Avizo (v2022.2) software package. The morphological features of the pulp cavity including overall shape, configuration, presence of apical deltas and lateral canals was recorded. A quantitative analysis was performed on thirty-one teeth to explore associations between pulp cavity volume and length, apical delta length, maximum apical delta foramina number and cusp-to-tip length using a linear mixed model. Correlation between pertinent continuous variables was assessed using a Pearson's correlation test. Most pulp cavities exhibited varying curvature and ranged from a cylindrical configuration in the coronal third to an ovoid configuration in the middle to apical third. A ribbon-like flattened canal was observed in 6/31 teeth (19%). All canine teeth depicted an apical delta with various configurations except for two teeth that showed a single canal exiting at the apex. In 15/31 teeth (48%), the primary root canal within the apical delta could be clearly identified and in 16/31 (52%) the primary root canal was indiscernible. The results showed that the pulp cavities of maxillary canine teeth were significantly larger and longer and the cusp-to-tip length was longer, when compared to mandibular teeth. The apical delta length was negatively correlated to the volume of the pulp cavity. No specimens depicted lateral canals. This study revealed that the anatomy of the canine tooth pulp cavity in cats can vary considerably and should be a consideration when performing thorough debridement, shaping and obturation of the endodontic system.

Update on Endodontic, Restorative, and Prosthodontic Therapy

Endodontic therapy is intended to preserve the function of mature teeth with irreversible pulpitis or pulp necrosis or to maintain the vitality of endodontically compromised immature teeth. Standard root canal therapy and vital pulp therapy are 2 mainstays of endodontic treatment. Recent knowledge has improved the outcomes of endodontic treatment with newer materials, such as mineral trioxide aggregate. Composite or prosthodontic crown restoration is also a critical key to success.

Management of Dental and Oral Developmental Conditions in Dogs and Cats

Developmental dental and oral disorders are present in juvenile patients less than 12 months of age. The conditions are diverse ranging from cosmetic only to requiring advanced surgical intervention to alleviate pain and secondary complications. Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment of dental abnormalities including abnormalities in the number, structure, size, and shape of teeth, as well as oral abnormalities including malocclusions, congenital cleft lip and palate, developmental abnormalities resulting in bony proliferation, and soft-tissue abnormalities of the lip and tongue are discussed throughout the article.

Diagnostic Imaging of Oral and Maxillofacial Anatomy and Pathology

This article describes the technical principles and indications for the most often encountered diagnostic imaging modalities in veterinary dentistry and oral surgery; with extensive coverage of intraoral (and extraoral) dental radiographic imaging and interpretation through detailed example figures of common dental and maxillofacial diseases in the dog and cat. Multidetector/multislice computed tomography (MDCT/MSCT) and emergent technologies such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) are presented here in detail. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diagnostic ultrasound, which are used less frequently, are briefly discussed.

Analysis of the Association of Foramen Cecum and Dens in Dente in Maxillary Lateral Incisor

Objectives  The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of foramen cecum and dens in dente, and to verify the association of these structures in the maxillary lateral incisor (MLI).

Materials and Methods  The presence of foramen cecum in the lingual surface of 110 MLI was verified, and the teeth were radiographed to observe the presence of dens in dente, being classified according to the literature. An association study between the presence of foramen cecum and dens in dente was performed using the Cramer’s V and chi-square statistical tests.

Results  The association was statistically significant between the foramen cecum and the dens in dente. Concomitant presence was observed in 17.27%, being a high rate when compared with the presence of foramen cecum alone (9.09%) or dens in dente alone (8.18%). In addition, type I (minimal invagination, confined to the crown of the tooth and not extending beyond the level of the cementum–enamel junction) was the most frequent (82.14%).

Conclusions  We emphasize the importance of alerting the dentist to the presence of a foramen cecum on the lingual surface of the MLI, as it is likely that dens in dente is usually of type I. Thus, the foramen cecum is a sign that can assist the dental surgeon in the discovery of dens in dente and clinical conduct to be taken.