Detection of Pulpal Blood Flow In Vivo with Pulse Oximetry in Dogs.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of pulse oximetry to detect blood flow within the canine tooth of dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dogs aged 18-138 months presenting for oral treatment and meeting the inclusion criteria underwent pulse oximetry evaluation of at least one canine tooth. Oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate values were acquired from vital canine teeth of 38 clinical patients (representing 40 total teeth) with a handheld pulse oximeter and compared to a control area. SpO2 values from the tooth and control area were recorded every 5 s for three 60-s intervals. The sensors were repositioned after each 60-s interval. RESULTS: The vital teeth consistently recorded SpO2 values significantly lower than the control area. The mean vital tooth SpO2 was 85.9% (median = 87%; SD = 8.6), and the mean control area SpO2 was 97.7% (median = 98%; SD = 1.8). An age-related significant difference was noted in vital tooth SpO2 values. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the present data support the possible use of pulse oximetry to detect blood flow in canine teeth. However, there was no significant correlation between SpO2 values in the vital tooth and in the control areas. Additionally, the results were not definitive, and validation of the modality with additional studies of non-vital canine teeth is needed before clinical use can be recommended.

Clinicopathologic characterization of oral pyogenic granuloma in 8 cats.

This case series characterizes the clinicopathologic features and treatment of oral pyogenic granuloma in 8 cats. The cats reported here were patients originating from collaborative efforts at an academic clinical teaching hospital and a specialty dentistry/oral surgery referral practice. Although the initial biopsy results were variable, in all cases the diagnosis reflected an inflammatory process. A second clinicopathologic evaluation of these cases determined that all lesions were consistent with oral pyogenic granuloma. The location of the lesion was consistent among all cats within the present study Lesions developed at the vestibular mucogingival tissues of the mandibular first molar teeth. We propose that malocclusion and secondary traumatic contact of the ipsilateral maxillary fourth premolar tooth with the mandibular soft tissues is a possible contributing factor in the etiopathogenic mechanism.

Effect of preparation surface area on the clinical outcome of full veneer crowns in dogs.

Crown therapy is commonly used in veterinary medicine to provide support to teeth which have previously fractured, received root canal therapy, have significant wear, or experienced other detrimental removal of tooth substance. As with several aspects of veterinary medicine, many of the recommendations or guidelines for crown therapy originate from human dentistry, which are then transferred to veterinary patients. Due to the significant difference in the anatomy of teeth and function of the oral cavity between humans and dogs, these guidelines need to be studied to determine the appropriateness of their use in veterinary patients. This article evaluates the relationship between surface area of the preparation and clinical outcome of full veneer crown therapy of the canine tooth in dogs. Although there appeared to be a positive relationship between preparations with greater surface area and successful clinical outcome, it was not found to be statistically significant.

Comparing the degree of exothermic polymerization in commonly used acrylic and provisional composite resins for intraoral appliances.

The use of dental acrylics and composite resins in veterinary dentistry has become widespread. However their use is not without potential complications. All acrylics and composite resins produce an exothermic reaction during the polymerization process. The aim of the current study was to evaluate thermal conduction during the polymerization reaction of each material to offer clinical guidelines when choosing a material with particular consideration for the significant volumes typically used. Results showed that methylmethacrylate based resins generated a significantly higher degree of heat during polymerization. Bis-acryl based composite resins generated a significantly lower degree of heat during polymerization, making them the material of choice to potentially minimize thermal injury to the dentin-pulp complex. It is the responsibility of the clinician to become aware of all materials available, and to have an understanding of their properties to guide them in making sound clinical judgments.

Achievable convergence angle and the effect of preparation design on the clinical outcome of full veneer crowns in dogs.

It is widely accepted that the convergence angle of a full veneer crown preparation should be as close to parallel as possible to attain adequate retention/resistance. The shape of the dog's canine tooth limits the veterinary dentists' ability to achieve the recommended convergence angle. However, the clinically achievable convergence angle of the canine tooth in dogs has not been evaluated. In addition, the convergence angle and other physical properties of a preparation, such as height and base diameter, have been shown to affect the retention/resistance of full veneer crowns, in vitro. This effect has not been evaluated clinically in the dog. Physical properties of 32 stone dies from full veneer crowns of canine teeth were studied to evaluate the clinically achievable convergence angle and the potential effect physical properties of the preparation had on the clinical outcome of the restoration. The clinically achievable convergence angle was much higher than the current recommendation. There was an association, albeit not statistically significant, between physical properties of a preparation (convergence angle, height, base diameter) and the clinical outcome of the restoration.