Equine dental and periodontal anatomy: A tutorial review

Abstract

A sound knowledge of dental and periodontal anatomy provides the basis for an accurate diagnosis of dental abnormalities. It must be remembered that dental and periodontal anatomy, especially in the horse, undergoes continuous morphological changes throughout life. From birth to age about 6 years the deciduous and later the permanent teeth emerge in turn through the oral mucosa. Even the permanent dentition is subjected to continuous, dynamic, morphological changes due to massive occlusal wear and the compensatory tooth eruption that is necessary in herbivores. Consequently, it is not surprising that the normal equine oral anatomy of structures shows a wide range of variations. The purpose of this tutorial article is to review and summarise the current knowledge of equine dental and periodontal anatomy, paying special attention to age related morphological changes.

The aetiopathogenesis of equine periodontal disease – a fresh perspective

“…), it can also be considered as a component of the periodontium due to its distinctive odontogenic development (Staszyk et al . ). Throughout the life of the tooth peripheral cementum is continually produced by cementoblasts and deposited at the apex and around the periphery of the reserve crown, a feature unique to hypsodont periodontium (Staszyk and Gasse ).…”

“…A very complete description of equine periodontal anatomy has recently been published by Staszyk et al . ().…”

“…Although it is intuitive to think of peripheral cementum as part of the tooth itself, especially in hypsodont teeth, where it compromises a substantial part of the clinical crown (Mitchell et al 2003), it can also be considered as a component of the periodontium due to its distinctive odontogenic development (Staszyk et al 2015). Throughout the life of the tooth peripheral cementum is continually produced by cementoblasts and deposited at the apex and around the periphery of the reserve crown, a feature unique to hypsodont periodontium .…”

“…It is possible to classify gingival tissue further by its location within the oral cavity and with regards to its position relative to the tooth. Staszyk et al (2015) describe two distinct zones of equine gingiva: the interdental gingiva, also known as the interdental papilla, and the remaining bulk of the gingiva located on the buccal, labial, palatal and lingual aspects of teeth. The free gingiva is the most occlusal and mobile aspect of the gingiva and acts as an interface with the epithelium of the gingival (crevicular) sulcus, which is a shallow pocket between the tooth and adjacent sulcular epithelium.…”

Fused incisors in case of a compound odontoma in a horse: Diagnosis and treatment

“…The decision to leave the tooth was based on the fact that the equine periodontal ligament possesses unique capacities for cell proliferation and tissue regeneration (Warhonowicz et al 2006). Therefore, the potential exists that anchoring between periodontal cementum from the incisor to alveolar bone could be restored after reattachment of functional collagen fibres of the periodontal ligament (Staszyk et al 2015). The minimal reduction of the incisor temporarily removed occlusal pressure and led to reduced movement.…”