Histological characteristics of macrodontic cheek teeth of the guinea pig

Abstract

Macrodontia is the enlargement of tooth dimensions of different ethology. The work aims to show a histological picture of macrodontic teeth in guinea pigs. The material was obtained from animals post mortem. 90 structural changes derived from 24 guinea pigs were evaluated. All teeth used in the study showed macrodontic changes. The samples were decalcified, dehydrated and embedded in paraffin. Material was cutted in the transverse and longitudinal plane in relation to the alveolar bone. Histological evaluation included apical bud cells, pulp cavity cells, periodontium, dentin, enamel, cementum and alveolar bone tissue. Individual elements were evaluated in respect of morphology and distribution. Moreover, the arrangement of the individual hard tooth structures was assessed on the teeth. No atypia of the cells that make up the apical bud as well as pulp and periodontal cavity was found. Displacement of periodontal cells or odontoblasts towards pulp cavity as well as disorganization of the cell system in the pulp cavity were observed. Changes in the dentine ligaments and the reconstruction of the alveolar bone were also observed in areas where dentine and cement systems were affected. It was observed on dental slides that the enamel is also involved in structural remodeling of the pulp cavity. Histological assessment led to the finding that structural changes in macrodontic teeth are made up of re-arranged typical tooth tissues.