Erosion behaviour of human, bovine and equine dental hard tissues.

Dental hard tissues from different species are used in dental research, but little is known about their comparability. The aim of this study was to compare the erosive behaviour of dental hard tissues (enamel, dentin) obtained from human, bovine and equine teeth. In addition, the protective effect of the pellicle on each hard tissue under erosive conditions was determined. In situ pellicle formation was performed for 30 min on enamel and dentin samples from all species in four subjects. Calcium and phosphate release was assessed during 120 s of HCl incubation on both native and pellicle-covered enamel and dentin samples. SEM and TEM were used to examine surface changes in native enamel and dentin samples after acid incubation and the ultrastructure of the pellicle before and after erosive exposure. In general, bovine enamel and dentin showed the highest degree of erosion after acid exposure compared to human and equine samples. Erosion of human primary enamel tended to be higher than that of permanent teeth, whereas dentin showed the opposite behaviour. SEM showed that eroded equine dentin appeared more irregular than human or bovine dentin. TEM studies showed that primary enamel appeared to be most susceptible to erosion.

Occlusal fissures in equine cheek teeth: µCT and histological findings.

Fissures on the occlusal surface of equine cheek teeth are commonly encountered during oral examination. Generally, their presence is considered abnormal but their aetiopathogenesis and clinical impact on pulp disease is still undetermined. The aims of this research were to study the extent of occlusal cheek teeth fissures using high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (µCT) imaging and their histological characteristics. Twenty-seven teeth (of 15 horses) were scanned using µCT imaging to analyse fissure extent. Histological examination of a subset of teeth (n=7) was performed. Forty-three type 1 fissures (35 type 1a, eight type 1b) were identified. The mean length of the fissure of type 1a and type 1b on the occlusal surface was 3.47+/-1.60mm and 13.64+/-7.40mm, respectively. Their mean depth was 13.22+/-10.76mm and 7.42+/-6.42mm, respectively. Potential risk factors associated with fissure depth were identified using a multivariable mixed model The location of the fissure and Triadan number were significantly associated with fissure depth. Fissures could be identified on histological sections with the presence of organic material inside the fissure, microorganisms in the continuation of the fissure extending into the dentinal tubules and the presence of reactionary dentine. This study suggests that fissures can provide a pathway for microorganisms to enter the dentinal tubules, potentially resulting in local pulpal inflammation. It appears that in healthy teeth, vital odontoblasts react by producing reactionary (tertiary) dentin, which lacks patent tubules and thus provides a proper seal.

Peripheral caries and disease of the periodontium in Western Australian horses: An epidemiological, anatomical and histopathological assessment.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral caries may cause significant oral pain and pathology and is very prevalent within the Western Australia horse population. Associations with periodontal disease have been indicated; however, further work is needed to assess the anatomical and histological aspects of the conditions, to better understand the pathophysiology. OBJECTIVES: To assess the anatomical and histopathological changes associated with equine cheek teeth peripheral caries and disease of the periodontium to better understand the pathogenesis and any association between the conditions. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional epidemiological and histological study. METHODS: A survey of 500 Western Australia horses was performed to assess the prevalence of peripheral caries and associations with other dental pathologies within the Western Australia horse population. Histopathological assessment was also performed on four extracted cheek teeth affected by peripheral caries and on three interdental areas from an abattoir specimen affected by peripheral caries and interdental feed accumulation. RESULTS: There was a significant association between peripheral caries and cheek teeth interdental feed accumulation and gingival recession. This association was significantly stronger in the mandibular cheek teeth than the maxillary cheek teeth and also in horses with moderate or severe peripheral caries compared to horses with mild peripheral caries. Histopathological examination found caries lesions consistent with those found in humans above the gingival margin. Sub-gingivally, however, the cementum and periodontal structures were normal. In the samples with concurrent peripheral caries and deep feed-pocketing, there was significant gingival recession; however, only mild or no histopathological changes occurred in the gingiva. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Small sample size for histopathological assessment. CONCLUSION: Horses with peripheral caries, and in particular, horses with mandibular cheek teeth with peripheral caries are significantly more likely to also be affected by disease of the periodontium than horses without peripheral caries.

Functional anatomy of the equine temporomandibular joint: Histological characteristics of the articular surfaces and underlining tissues.

It has been assumed that dental conditions cause disorders of the equine temporomandibular joint (TMJ), due to biomechanical overload or aberrant loading. However, the incidence of published TMJ disorders in horses is low and this leads to the question whether the equine TMJ is adapted well to its biomechanical requirements or is able to remodel its articular surfaces in response to modified loading conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the histological characteristics of healthy equine TMJs. The tissue components of the articular surfaces of 10 TMJs obtained from horses without any clinical history of dental or TMJ disorders were analysed. Apart from the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone, the osseous aspects of the TMJ exhibited a uniform zoning pattern. The articular surfaces were composed of three tissue layers: (1) a superficial cell-rich dense connective tissue layer; (2) a middle fibrocartilage layer; and (3) a deep hyaline-like cartilage layer. The articular disc was composed of an inner core of fibrocartilage and hyaline-like cartilage meshwork covered with both cell-rich dense connective tissue and fibrocartilage at its dorsal and ventral aspects. In contrast, the mandibular fossa was only covered by a dense connective tissue, frequently supplemented by a synovial membrane, suggesting low biomechanical stress. Glycosaminoglycans, which are indicative of compressive loads, were predominantly present within the rostral part of the articular tubercle and the retroarticular process, the dorsal part of articular disc and the entire mandibular head, but were absent within the mandibular fossa. The results of this study suggest the presence of different biomechanical demands in the dorsal and ventral compartment of the equine TMJ.

Anatomy of equine incisors: Pulp horns and subocclusal dentine thickness.

BACKGROUND: Equine incisors are often reduced in height during corrective dental procedures. Increased knowledge of subocclusal dentine thickness and pulp morphology may help prevent iatrogenic pulpar exposure. Although such data exist for equine cheek teeth, there are currently no reliable data for incisors. OBJECTIVES: To measure the distances between pulp cavities and the occlusal as well as the labial surfaces of equine incisors and to test if these distances change with age. Furthermore, pulp morphology with regard to number and orientation of pulp horns was investigated. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study using cadaver material and high-resolution computed tomography. METHODS: Upper and lower incisor arcades were removed from heads of 13 horses and scanned with high-resolution computed tomography. 3D Models were reconstructed and configuration as well as number of the pulp horns was evaluated. Anatomical marker points were set to measure distances between the pulp horn tips and the labial and occlusal surfaces. RESULTS: Subocclusal dentine thickness ranged between 1.5 and 11.7 mm in upper and 0.7 and 6.7 mm in lower incisors. It decreased with tooth age. Distance to labial aspect ranged between 3.5 and 9.0 mm in upper and 3.8 and 8.1 mm in lower incisors and increased with tooth age. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Details of horse management, feeding and previous dental care were not available. Therefore, it remains unknown how these factors influenced the results. CONCLUSIONS: Although mean subocclusal dentine thickness of greater than 4.1 mm was found, equine incisors occasionally have less than 1 mm of thickness with potential for iatrogenic pulpar exposure during incisor reduction. Therefore, great care should be exercised by any practitioner during incisor reduction.

Radiological prevalence of equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis.

BACKGROUND: Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) is a painful and progressive dental disease that mainly affects the incisors and canine teeth of aged horses. Diagnosis is based on radiographs to detect early stages of the disease. EOTRH is probably underdiagnosed and its prevalence in Germany unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to determine the radiological prevalence of EOTRH in a large horse population in Berlin-Brandenburg, Germany. STUDY DESIGN: Prevalence study. METHODS: The study population (142 horses) consisted of all horses 10 years and older that were presented at the Equine Hospital for a routine dental examination. The horses were either presented as clinical cases (CC population) or belonged to a riding school (RS population). Digital radiographs of the incisor dentition were taken and evaluated for changes related to EOTRH, leading to an overall classification for each horse. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 21 years and ranged from 10 to 37 years. Overall, 94% of all horses had at least minor and 62% had moderate to severe radiological changes of the incisor teeth associated to EOTRH. No horse older than 14 years was without radiological signs of EOTRH and all horses over 28 years of age had at least moderate radiological changes of the incisor teeth. MAIN LIMITATIONS: The clinical cases group might have a bias towards horses with existing dental problems such as EOTRH, because they were presented explicitly for dental care to a clinic. CONCLUSION: Focusing on radiological changes, this study shows that EOTRH is a common condition of horses in Berlin-Brandenburg. With older age, disease is more frequent and radiological changes become more severe. Since no horse older than 14 years was without radiological findings, it is likely that mild changes may be associated with the normal tooth ageing process.

Influence of dental materials on cells of the equine periodontium.

BACKGROUND: Therapy for equine periodontal disease can include filling of the periodontal pockets and widened interproximal spaces. Recommended dental materials are generally adopted from human dentistry. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the biocompatibility of dental materials for equine periodontal fillings in vitro. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro experiments. METHODS: Four different dental materials (PeriCare® , Provicol® , Calxyl® and Honigum) were tested on equine periodontal fibroblasts. Possible cytotoxic effects were assessed microscopically and by MTT assay, and the expression of inflammatory marker genes was measured by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: PeriCare® and Provicol® had no effects on the cells, whereas Honigum and Calxyl® were associated with severe cytotoxic effects. MAIN LIMITATIONS: The results of this in vitro study need to be confirmed by clinical studies. CONCLUSIONS: Before adapting dental materials from human dentistry, it is crucial to initially test them in a specific equine model.

Functional anatomy of the equine temporomandibular joint: Collagen fiber texture of the articular surfaces.

In the last decade, the equine masticatory apparatus has received much attention. Numerous studies have emphasized the importance of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in the functional process of mastication. However, ultrastructural and histological data providing a basis for biomechanical and histopathological considerations are not available. The aim of the present study was to analyze the architecture of the collagen fiber apparatus in the articular surfaces of the equine TMJ to reveal typical morphological features indicating biomechanical adaptions. Therefore, the collagen fiber alignment was visualized using the split-line technique in 16 adult warmblood horses without any history of TMJ disorders. Within the central two-thirds of the articular surfaces of the articular tubercle, the articular disc and the mandibular head, split-lines ran in a correspondent rostrocaudal direction. In the lateral and medial aspects of these articular surfaces, the split-line pattern varied, displaying curved arrangements in the articular disc and punctual split-lines in the bony components. Mediolateral orientated split-lines were found in the rostral and caudal border of the articular disc and in the mandibular fossa. The complex movements during the equine chewing cycle are likely assigned to different areas of the TMJ. The split-line pattern of the equine TMJ is indicative of a relative movement of the joint components in a preferential rostrocaudal direction which is consigned to the central aspects of the TMJ. The lateral and medial aspects of the articular surfaces provide split-line patterns that indicate movements particularly around a dorsoventral axis.

Infundibula of equine maxillary cheek teeth. Part 1: Development, blood supply and infundibular cementogenesis.

There is increasing interest in diseases of infundibula of equine maxillary cheek teeth. Imperfect infundibular cementogenesis has been recognized as an aetiopathological factor for the onset of infundibular necrosis. In this article, infundibular development was examined with particular attention to infundibular blood vessels and cementogenesis. Forty-one deciduous maxillary premolars prior to eruption were investigated using routine histological and immunohistological methods to visualize blood vessels and the enamel organ. Selected specimens were scanned by micro-computed tomography to analyze the three-dimensional configuration of the developing infundibulum. Before eruption, the infundibula are supplied by a central infundibular artery entering the infundibulum from an occlusal direction and by arteries entering the mesial infundibulum from the mesial aspect, and the distal infundibulum from the distal aspect. The central infundibular artery is destroyed shortly after tooth eruption but the lateral arteries remain vital for a time after eruption. As the arteries of the distal infundibulum are located in a more apical position, blood is received for a longer period compared with the mesial infundibulum. Cementogenesis starts first at distinct enamel in-foldings in the occlusal part of the infundibula, advancing in an apical direction. The results suggest a distinct asymmetry between the infundibula with the mesial infundibulum prone to incomplete cementogenesis due to early blood supply cessation.

Infundibula of equine maxillary cheek teeth: Part 2: Morphological variations and pathological changes.

Incomplete cemental filling of the infundibula of equine maxillary cheek teeth (CT) is a common feature. Depending on the extent of the defect, three stages of infundibular decay have been suggested. However, histomorphological criteria to identify non-pathological abnormalities and destructive changes have not been defined. Six hundred and eighty eight CT with no evidence of dental diseases and 55 diseased permanent, fully erupted maxillary CT were evaluated on a macroscopic level by assessing the occlusal surface and horizontal sections, including porphyrin assays to detect residual blood within the infundibular cementum. Selected specimens were investigated on a microscopic level using routine and immunohistological staining methods to identify possible routes for the spread of infectious agents from the infundibulum into the endodontic system. Infundibular cemental hypoplasia was defined as a non-pathological developmental abnormality and was detected in >50% of CT with no evidence of dental diseases and in >70% of diseased CT. The first molar (Triadan 09) showed the highest prevalence (75%) of infundibular cemental hypoplasia. The mesial infundibulum was more often affected than the distal infundibulum. Infundibular erosion was considered as the most appropriate term to describe destructive infundibular changes. Infundibular erosion was present in <6% of CT with no evidence of dental diseases, but was detected in >27% of diseased teeth, always accompanied by endodontic disease. This suggests that teeth affected by infundibular cemental hypoplasia are prone to destructive erosion, which possibly leads to endodontic disease. Morphological factors that supplement this ethological hypothesis were described. In 74% of infundibula residual blood was identified, although no vital blood vessels were detected. It is assumed that this content of blood remained in the ample infundibular cemental blood system after tooth eruption and creates a favorable environment for microbial growth. The infundibular enamel was characterised by numerous infoldings to variable degrees and depths. In certain areas focal enamel aplasia was observed. These morphological features might contribute to microbiological settlement and spread of infectious agents through the infundibular wall into the endodontic system.

Cranial morphology in the brachygnathic sheep.

BACKGROUND: Craniofacial morphology of sheep with phenotypically observed mandibular distocclusion was analysed using the multivariate techniques principle component analysis and cluster analysis in order to test whether different types of craniofacial malformations can be distinguished. RESULTS: The results showed 8 principal components with a variance of 82.72% in the database. The method creates new variables then used in the Cluster analysis indicating 7 clusters with 3 different facial types: Normal, prognathia inferior and brachygnathia inferior. CONCLUSION: The brachygnathic facial type was mainly characterised as a shortened mandible, the upper jaw is not significantly involved. The correlations to the temporomandibular joint were shown. Molar and premolar malocclusions were revealed in two of three Clusters. Phenotypical distocclusion was not a single criterion for the affected sheep.

[Clinical anatomy of the horse: teeth and dentition]. / Zähne und Gebiss des Pferdes - eine klinisch-anatomische Übersicht.

The routine inspection of the equine oral cavity allows a numerical assessment of the teeth and provides information about positional changes within the dentition. By use of appropriate dental equipment, the occlusal surfaces of all teeth can be inspected and diagnosed. However, neither the teeth nor their occlusal surfaces are constant structures. Instead, equine teeth and, in particular, their occlusal surfaces are subjected to continuous morphological and positional changes due to the effects of aging and the equine-specific high amount of occlusal wear. Therefore, it is mandatory to define anatomical criteria, which allow us to distinguish between anatomical variations and pathological conditions. Moreover, an unambiguous nomenclature with regard to the equine-specific dental anatomy is essential. This article provides a tutorial overview of the equine dental anatomy as well as recent findings in the field of equine dentistry. Special attention is paid to dynamic changes within both individual teeth and dentition.

Characterization of the temporomandibular joint of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus).

OBJECTIVES: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in cetaceans is largely uncharacterized. This study aims to describe the macroscopic, microscopic, biochemical and biomechanical features of the TMJ of two species of the suborder Odontoceti: the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus). Furthermore, we aim to elucidate the structure-function relationship of their TMJs and their possible role in echolocation. DESIGN: The TMJs from fresh cadaver heads of harbour porpoise (n=4) and Risso's dolphin (n=2) acquired from stranding were examined. Following macroscopical evaluation, the TMJs were investigated for their histological, mechanical and biochemical properties. RESULTS: The TMJs of the studied odontocetes were found to be fundamentally different from other mammals. Macroscopically, the TMJ lacks the typical joint cavity found in most mammals and is essentially a syndesmosis. Histological and microstructural analysis revealed that the TMJ discs were composed of haphazardly intersecting fibrous-connective tissue bundles separated by adipose tissue globules and various calibre blood vessels and nerve fibres. The collagen fibre composition was primarily collagen type I with lesser amounts of collagen type II. Sulphated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) content was lower compared to other studied mammals. Finally, mechanical testing demonstrated the disc was stronger and stiffer in the dorsoventral direction than in the mediolateral direction. CONCLUSION: The spatial position of the TMJ, the absence of an articulating synovial joint, and the properties of the TMJ discs all reflect the unique suction-feeding mechanism adopted by the harbour porpoise and Risso's dolphin for underwater foraging. In addition, the presence of unique adipose globules, blood vessels and nerves throughout the discs may indicate a functional need beyond food apprehension. Instead, the disc may play a role in neurological sensory functions such as echolocation.

Three-dimensional anatomy of the equine sternum.

The sternum is a frequently used anatomical site to obtain bone marrow for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in equine medicine and surgery. For a safe and reproducible aspiration of sternal bone marrow, a reliable anatomical description of the sternum is mandatory. However, the anatomical literature provides very heterogeneous information concerning the structure and number of sternebrae. Isolated sterna (horses of different ages) underwent clinical computed tomography, and single sternebrae were scanned by microcomputed tomography. Data sets were analysed in detail, the dimensions of each sternebra were determined, and correlations to the age and weight were generated. A uniform arrangement of seven sternebrae within the equine sternum was obtained, whereas the 6th and 7th sternebrae were fused in all sterna. The cranial sternebrae (sternebrae 1-3) had a lentiform shape with flattened lateral sides, while the caudal sternebrae (6 and 7) were flattened dorso-ventrally. In contrast, sternebrae 4 and 5 were spherical. The single sternebrae were well demarcated to the chondral sternum and showed two different zones. The periphery consisted of radiodense woven tissue, while in the centre the radiodense tissue was loosely arranged and contained large cavities with radiolucent tissue. A thin lamina (substantia corticalis) of <1 mm was arranged around the peripheral zone. There was no correlation between the body weight and the dimensions of the sternebrae, but there was a positive correlation to the age of the horses. The obtained data provide a sufficient basis to establish a standard nomenclature of the equine sternum.

Finite element analysis of equine incisor teeth. Part 1: determination of the material parameters of the periodontal ligament.

In equine dentistry, periodontal diseases are frequently found in aged horses. Excessive strains and stresses within the periodontal ligament (PDL) occurring during the masticatory cycle may be predisposing factors especially in old horses with short, worn teeth. The finite element (FE) analysis is a valuable tool to investigate such strains and stresses in biological materials but a precondition for a realistic and reliable FE analysis is accurate knowledge of material parameters. As no data exist concerning the PDL of equine incisor teeth, this study was undertaken to determine the equine specific, age related and load dependent Young's modulus of equine incisors. To determine the biomechanical behaviour of the PDL, the incisor jaw-regions of horses of different ages were sectioned into 5mm thick slice samples and the incisors experimentally intruded (i.e. axially displaced into the alveolus) while recording the load-displacement relationship. Based on high resolution micro-computer tomography (µCT)-datasets, reliable and detailed 3-dimensional models of the slice samples were constructed focusing on precisely modelling the anatomy of the PDL. FE calculations were then performed and set-actual comparisons of the FE results with the experimentally measured displacements enabled the Young's modulus of the PDL to be determined. The results of this study reflect the typical non-linear behaviour of the collagen fibres of the PDL and present a high load dependency of the PDL's Young's modulus. Further investigations calculating the strains and stresses within the periodontal ligament, teeth and surrounding bone of the entire rostral aspect of the jaw are warranted.

Finite element analysis of equine incisor teeth. Part 2: investigation of stresses and strain energy densities in the periodontal ligament and surrounding bone during tooth movement.

This study investigated the hypothetical contribution of biomechanical loading to the onset of equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) and to elucidate the physiological age-related positional changes of the equine incisors. Based on high resolution micro-computed tomography (µCT) datasets, 3-dimensional models of entire incisor arcades and the canine teeth were constructed representing a young and an old incisor dentition. Special attention was paid to constructing an anatomically correct model of the periodontal ligament (PDL). Using previously determined Young's moduli for the equine incisor PDL, finite element (FE) analysis was performed. Resulting strains, stresses and strain energy densities (SEDs), as well as the resulting regions of tension and compression within the PDL and the surrounding bone were investigated during occlusion. The results showed a distinct distribution pattern of high stresses and corresponding SEDs in the PDL and bone. Due to the tooth movement, peaks of SEDs were obtained in the PDL as well as in the bone on the labial and palatal/lingual sides of the alveolar crest. At the root, highest SEDs were detected in the PDL on the palatal/lingual side slightly occlusal of the root tip. This distribution pattern of high SEDs within the PDL coincides with the position of initial resorptive lesions in EOTRH affected teeth. The position of high SEDs in the bone can explain the typical age-related alteration of shape and angulation of equine incisors.

[Tenotomy of carpal and digital flexor tendons for correction of congenital neuromyodysplasia in a calf]. / Tenotomie von Karpal- und Zehenbeugesehnen zur Korrektur der Neuromyodysplasie bei einem Kalb.

In a 7-day-old heifer calf, a bilateral flexural deformity of the forelimbs involving the digital flexor tendons, the suspensory ligament and the ulnar and radial carpal flexor tendons was diagnosed. After 2 weeks of conservative treatment consisting of manual stretching of the legs and the application of splints and wooden blocks, which were glued to the soles and extended beyond the tip of the claws, the right forelimb could be extended sufficiently to allow weight bearing, whereas the left forelimb could be passively extended to only approximately 120°. Therefore, tenotomy of the ulnar carpal flexor tendon, the digital flexor tendons and the suspensory ligament was carried out in the left leg. A support bandage was then applied to the leg for 8 weeks, after which the carpus and fetlock could be completely extended passively. Flexural deformity of the carpus caused by contracture of the carpal flexor tendons was treated by means of a tenotomy of the ulnar carpal flexor tendon proximal to the accessory carpal bone, which allowed preservation of the carpal tunnel and avoided the risk of iatrogenic damage to nerves and the carpal joint capsule.

Arthrotomy for the treatment of chronic purulent septic gonitis with subchondral osteolysis in two calves.

CASE HISTORY: A 6-week-old German Holstein heifer calf (Case 1) and a 4-week-old Charolais bull calf (Case 2) were referred because of unilateral hind limb lameness. Both had been treated with systemic antibiotics by the referring veterinarian. CLINICAL FINDINGS AND DIAGNOSIS: Based on the results of clinical, radiographic and ultrasonographic examination, a diagnosis of chronic purulent septic gonitis with subchondral osteolysis of the lateral femoral condyle was made in both calves. In Case 2 the lateral tibial condyle also showed osteolysis. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Treatment consisted of arthrotomy with debridement of abnormal bone and cartilage via a craniolateral and a caudolateral approach. Case 1 was discharged from with grade 1/5 lameness 60 days after surgery. In a follow-up 15 months postoperatively, the owner reported that it had been bred at 14 months, was not lame and the affected stifle joint appeared normal. Case 2 had grade 2/5 lameness 52 days after surgery, but was sound at the time of slaughter at 22 months of age. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Arthrotomy via a caudolateral approach is a suitable method for the treatment of septic purulent gonitis with osteolysis of the lateral femoral and tibial condyles in calves. In these cases, this treatment resulted in the elimination of localised inflammation, prevented clinically relevant spread of infection to other organs, and restored normal joint function.

Ovine craniofacial malformation: a morphometrical study.

Craniofacial malformation in 64 sheep was phenotypically described as mandibular distoclusion. Digital radiographs were examined in order to determine the degree of morphological changes in certain bones of the skull. Therefore, laterolateral standardised digital radiographs were used to determine anatomic reference points. Subsequently, five reference lines were defined and 16 linear and seven angular measurements were determined to describe malformations in the bones of the skull. Statistical analysis revealed a significant shortening of the rostral part of the corpus mandibulae and of the ramus mandibulae. However, the molar part of the mandible remained unchanged. These morphological changes caused premolar and molar malocclusion. No further craniofacial abnormalities, such as an elongation of the maxilla or of the incisive bone, were identified. In conclusion, the phenotypically observed mandibular distoclusion is caused by a shortening of specific parts of the mandible. This form of ovine craniofacial malformation is therefore best described as brachygnathia inferior.

Finite element analysis in 3-D models of equine cheek teeth.

Periodontal diseases occur frequently in equine dentistry and excessive strain in biological tissues is assumed to be a predisposing factor in their development. Finite element (FE) analysis enables strains and stresses occurring in the periodontium to be calculated and is a useful tool for testing this hypothesis. The current study aimed to establish reliable 3-D models from equine maxillary and mandibular cheek teeth for use in FE simulations, with particular attention to the detailed construction of the periodontal ligament (PDL). Age-related morphological aspects of the teeth and the periodontium were also considered by constructing different models for three defined age groups. Finally, the biomechanical behaviour of the equine PDL was examined during experimental tooth intrusion (i.e. axial displacement of the tooth into its alveolar socket). The results showed an increase in intrusion with increasing age due to age-related changes in the periodontal elastic properties. The general stress level in PDL and surrounding bone also increased with age. Reliable FE models were established to calculate aetiologically relevant biomechanical effects occurring in the equine periodontium.