Dental pulp exposure, periapical inflammation and suppurative osteomyelitis of the jaws in juvenile Baltic grey seals (Halichoerus grypus grypus) from the late 19th century

The systematic analysis of museum collections can provide important insights into the dental and skeletal pathology of wild mammals. Here we present a previously unreported type of dental defect and related skull pathology in five juvenile Baltic grey seals that had been collected in the course of a seal culling program along the Danish coast in 1889 and 1890. All five skulls exhibited openings into the pulp cavities at the crown tips of all (four animals) or two (one animal) canines as well as several incisors and (in one animal) also some anterior premolars. The affected teeth showed wide pulp cavities and thin dentin. Pulp exposure had caused infection, inflammation, and finally necrosis of the pulp. As was evidenced by the extensive radiolucency around the roots of the affected teeth, the inflammation had extended from the pulp into the periapical space, leading to apical periodontitis with extensive bone resorption. Further spreading of the inflammation into the surrounding bone regions had then caused suppurative osteomyelitis of the jaws. The postcanine teeth of the pathological individuals typically had dentin of normal thickness and, except for one specimen, did not exhibit pulp exposure. The condition may have been caused by a late onset of secondary and tertiary dentin formation that led to pulp exposure in anterior teeth exposed to intense wear. Future investigations could address a possible genetic causation of the condition in the studied grey seals.

Assessment of apical periodontitis in dogs and humans: a review

Veterinary dentists commonly encounter apical periodontitis in dogs. An overview of the disease is presented, concentrating on pathogenesis and mechanisms of healing. Assessment modalities are reviewed and interpretations of treatment success and failure are discussed. The limitations of readily available diagnostic equipment are illustrated. The benefits of identifying the causative agent and resultant pathosis should not be overlooked. Well-designed clinical studies evaluating various methods of long-term follow-up for apical periodontitis in dogs are needed.

Efficacy of enamel matrix proteins on apical periodontal regeneration after experimental apicoectomy in dogs

Adult dogs have a complex apical delta structure in all root apexes of teeth. This complex structure may affect the formation of apical lesions in the teeth such as apical abscesses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of enamel matrix protein (EMP) which was used for periodontal regeneration therapy after an experimental apicoectomy for an assumed apical lesions of the teeth in dogs. The maxillar canine roots and maxillar fourth premolar buccal mesial roots in five beagles were experimentally apicoectomized under general inhalation anesthesia. After the root apex was exposed and excised, EMP was applied on the surface of the exposed dentin. After 12 weeks, dogs were euthanized. and the experimental teeth together with the surrounding soft and hard periodontal tissues were collected for histological evaluation under a light microscope. In the EMP group, the size of the defect where the root apex was removed was smaller than that of the control group. New cementum was dominantly achieved in the EMP group compared to the control group. Furthermore, new collagen fibers that bridged area between the new cementum and new alveolar bone were detected only in the EMP group. The present results demonstrated marked apical periodontal regeneration after apicoectomy in the EMP group. These results, therefore, suggest that the application of EMP can effectively induce the regeneration of periodontal strUctures in apicoectomized dogs.

Pathophysiology of acquired dental diseases of the horse

Periodontitis, infundibular necrosis, and periapical infection are dental diseases commonly affecting adult horses. Routine dental examinations and care may help to prevent these diseases. Further investigation of the treatment of horses with these diseases using local antimicrobial therapy, restorative dentistry, and endodontic therapy is needed. An understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases aids in diagnosis and treatment. Gingival hyperplasia and odontogenic tumors are uncommon but should remain in a list of differential diagnoses when examining a horse with pertinent clinical signs. Recognition of odontogenic tumors as early as possible may facilitate surgery. Examination of the oral cavity of foals beyond the neonatal period should allow identification of brachygnathia and timely treatment when indicated.

[Veterinary dentistry (14). Periapical diseases]

In this article periapical disease is discussed. A differentiation is made in infections, abscesses, granuloma and cysts.