1 Equine Dentistry: Anatomy, Numbering and Physiology

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Questions and Answers

Considering the relationship between a horse's diet and chewing patterns, how does the consistency of feed impact the lateral excursion of the mandible during mastication?

  • Drier feed increases lateral excursion as the horse must grind the feed more extensively.
  • Lush feed increases lateral excursion because of the increased time the horse spends chewing. (correct)
  • Lush feed decreases lateral excursion due to its high moisture content, requiring less grinding.
  • Drier feed decreases the lateral excursion, because the horse can swallow it without chewing.

Which of the following represents the correct Triadan numbering system designation for the permanent lower left first molar in a horse?

  • 106
  • 406 (correct)
  • 306
  • 206

A horse exhibits signs of dropping food, has a body condition score of 3/9, and a dental exam reveals that teeth 207 and 208 are missing. What is the most likely consequence of these teeth being missing?

  • Increased risk of esophageal obstruction due to inadequate food breakdown.
  • Development of sharp enamel points on premolars.
  • Premature shedding of adjacent teeth.
  • Formation of a 'step mouth' malocclusion, altering mastication. (correct)

In equine dentistry, what is the clinical significance of understanding the angle formed by the mandibular condyles relative to the occlusal plane?

<p>Assessing and addressing imbalances in masticatory forces and wear patterns. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A veterinarian is examining a horse's oral cavity and notes the presence of 'cups' on the incisors. What specific aspect of these cups is most useful in estimating the horse's age?

<p>The infundibular depth and the rate at which they disappear. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the impact of modern feeding practices on equine dental health, how does a diet primarily composed of processed feeds potentially contribute to the development of dental abnormalities?

<p>Processed feeds reduce the natural wear of hypsodont teeth, predisposing horses to sharp enamel points and other dental problems. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During a dental examination, a veterinarian notes that a horse has excessively worn incisors, and is suspected of cribbing. What specific effect does cribbing have that most directly contributes to this type of incisor wear?

<p>Abrasion from contacting surfaces while grasping objects. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The trigeminal nerve plays a crucial role in innervating the teeth and mouth. If a horse exhibits altered sensation in the rostral portion of its upper cheek teeth, which branch of the trigeminal nerve is most likely affected?

<p>Maxillary nerve (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the structural relationship between enamel and dentin in hypsodont teeth?

<p>Enamel forms ridges and infoldings that extend into the dentin, creating a complex occlusal surface. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the eruption process of hypsodont teeth and its relationship to the reserve crown?

<p>Hypsodont teeth erupt slowly, compensating for wear, with a substantial reserve crown beneath the gumline that gradually emerges, but eruption ceases after maturity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the functional significance of the palatine ridges in a horse's oral cavity relative to dental health and physiology?

<p>They help with the initial breakdown and positioning of food during mastication. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When evaluating a horse for potential dental floating, what is the primary reason for assessing the range of motion within the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)?

<p>To diagnose potential TMJ disorders that may be causing pain or influencing chewing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the anisognathic jaw structure in horses affect the mastication process and the development of common dental abnormalities?

<p>It results in differential pressure on the buccal and lingual aspects of the cheek teeth, predisposing horses to sharp enamel points. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A horse is diagnosed with mandibular periostitis, characterized by inflammation and proliferation of the periosteum on the mandible at the bars. What specific type of bridle/bit problem is most likely to contribute to this condition?

<p>A improperly fitted bridle and bit that applies direct trauma to the underlying bone. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A horse is determined to be 5 years old and is undergoing a dental exam. What deciduous teeth should no longer be present?

<p>Premolars -06, -07, -08 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical eruption timeline for canine teeth in male horses, and what clinical implications should be considered when these teeth erupt?

<p>Canine teeth typically erupt between 4.5 and 5 years of age, requiring assessment to avoid potential soft tissue trauma from bit. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Wolf teeth are commonly extracted for clinical reasons, what percentage of horses have wolf teeth?

<p>40-80% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The primary function of mastication involves a sequence of physical and physiological events. How do the chewing and preparation aspect of the process directly influence the subsequent digestive steps?

<p>Mastication breaks to mechanically breakdown ingesta, which increases the surface area for digestion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected eruption order of cheek teeth?

<p>_09, _10, _06, _07, _08, _11 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does cementum play in the overall structure and functionality of equine teeth?

<p>Cementum anchors the periodontal ligament, protecting the underlying dentin, bulking the tooth, and protecting coronal enamel. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Compared to enamel, what specific characteristics distinguish dentin and how do these differences impact its role in maintaining the tooth's integrity?

<p>Dentin is a softer calcified tissue versus the harder enamel; dentin functions as a crack stopper and composes the irregular occlusal surface. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A horse is being evaluated for weight loss and difficulty chewing. On examination, it is noted that there are sharp enamel points present. What abnormalities can arise from sharp enamel points?

<p>Oral ulcers, oral abscesses/inflammation, and bit problems (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does TMJ movement influence horse physiology?

<p>Impacts movement side to side, rostro-caudal, and is impacted by sternocephalicus muscles. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In horses, the Triadan numbering system is used to identify individual teeth. Which teeth does the 100 series represent:

<p>Upper right arcade. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A vet is performing a dental exam and finds simple brachydont teeth, what teeth were found?

<p>First premolars (wolf teeth). (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What dental abnormalities can arise from bit-related issues?

<p>Cut tongue. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During lateral excursion, what is the range of motion?

<p>8-12 mm. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What statement is true regarding aging using incisors for horses?

<p>Shape occlusal surface direction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the chewing cycle, what is the power stroke?

<p>6-10 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Modern day equids spend how much time feeding daily?

<p>14-18 hours/day. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do lophs basins do for teeth?

<p>Intradental oral cavity, auget movement, palatine ridges, and tongue. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could a gap mouth possibly indicate?

<p>Sore mouth. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of tissue is pulp?

<p>Connective, blood vessels, and nerves. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Good dentistry can prevent what disease/abnormalities?

<p>Impaction Colic, Esophageal obstruction, and Weight loss. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three reasons dentistry is important?

<p>Medical/preventative care, Processed feeds, and Confinement and feeding practices, Athlete vs. model, feed cost, Client education, practice builder. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the 3 layers to the tooth?

<p>Enamel, dentin, and cementum. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What nerves innervate the teeth?

<p>Trigeminal, mandibular, and maxillary nerves. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Dental floating is a common procedure to correct dental abnormalities in horses. Given the anatomical arrangement of the cheek teeth, what specific area is targeted during a dental float to alleviate sharp enamel points?

<p>The buccal aspect of the maxillary cheek teeth (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A horse is diagnosed with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. Considering the TMJ's role in mastication, what compensatory mechanism might the horse develop to maintain adequate food processing?

<p>Altered head and neck posture to maximize leverage during chewing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cementum is a vital component of the equine tooth. In what specific way does cementum contribute to the structural integrity and functionality of hypsodont teeth, considering their continuous eruption pattern?

<p>By providing the primary attachment site for the periodontal ligament, ensuring continuous tooth suspension within the alveolus. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the trigeminal nerve's innervation of the equine oral cavity, which of the following clinical signs would suggest damage to the mandibular branch specifically?

<p>Dropping of food and reduced sensation in the lower cheek and rostral tongue. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A horse is suspected of having a dental abnormality that is causing weight loss. How might oral ulcers lead to significant weight loss in horses?

<p>Ulcers cause referred pain, leading to decreased appetite and reduced feed intake. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A horse is being evaluated for dental disease, and the presence of 'step mouth' is noted during the examination. How does 'step mouth' directly impact mastication efficiency and overall digestive health?

<p>It disrupts the smooth occlusal wave, reducing the surface area for grinding and increasing the risk of impaction colic. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specific functional advantage do lophs and basins provide to the occlusal surface of equine cheek teeth, considering their role in the initial stages of digestion?

<p>They increase the surface area for grinding fibrous feedstuffs, facilitating mechanical breakdown before enzymatic digestion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the clinical implications of understanding the eruption timelines of the Triadan 06, 07, and 08 cheek teeth?

<p>To accurately estimate a horse's age when other aging indicators are unreliable or unavailable. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the conformation of the mandible influence the development and progression of dental abnormalities, particularly in relation to the anisognathic nature of the equine jaw?

<p>The degree of curvature in the body of the mandible affects the lateral excursion of the jaw, increasing the chance of developing a 'shear mouth'. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A horse presents with a 'gap mouth'. How might a 'gap mouth' predispose a horse to specific dental and digestive complications, considering its impact on mastication?

<p>It results in inefficient mastication, potentially leading to esophageal obstruction or impaction colic. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Importance of Dentistry

Medical and preventative care for horses, including geriatric populations.

Dental Prevention

Can prevent impaction colic, esophageal obstruction, weight loss, and oral ulcers.

Proper Bridle/Bit Use

Using bridles and bits properly for communication.

Nerves of the Teeth

Trigeminal nerve (5th cranial nerve).

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TMJ Movements

side to side and rostro-caudal (front to back)

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Deciduous Teeth Formula

Di 3/3, Dc 0/0, Dm 3/3)2 = 24 teeth

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Permanent Teeth Formula

I 3/3, C 1/1 or 0/0, PM 3/3 or 4/4, M 3/3)2 = 36 to 44

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Triadan system

A system for numbering teeth

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Shedding _01 Incisors

2.5-3 years old

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Shedding Caps

4.5-5 years

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Eruption of wolf teeth

Simple brachydont tooth that erupts 6-18 months.

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Aging with Incisors

Check the occlusal surface, dental star, and cups to determine age.

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Closing Stroke

3-6

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Opening Stroke

1-2

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Power stroke and reset

6-10

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Horse Teeth Classification

Hypsodontal

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Importance of dentistry

Education/Public knowledge and Bits/bridles.

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Tooth Anatomy

Cementum, enamel, dentin and pulp are the components.

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Tooth Composition

Enamel is the hardest, most dense tissue of body.

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Horse Physiology

Modern day feeding and Chewing cycle.

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Hypsodont Teeth

Equine teeth continue to erupt throughout their life.

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Study Notes

Equine Dentistry: Anatomy and Physiology

  • Good dentistry helps in the prevention of many diseases and abnormalities
  • Dental abnormalities can arise from a bit
  • It is important to know the aspects of hypsodontal teeth, including eruption rate per year etc.
  • Enamel is the hardest, most dense tissue of the body
  • You must know the nerves of the teeth/mouth and TMJ movement
  • Understanding the Triadan teeth numbering system is essential
  • You should understand the aging aspect of horse incisors and cheek teeth eruption order, especially the first and last teeth
  • Understanding the effect of modern day feeding management
  • It is important to have an understanding of how the angle of cheek teeth affects the horses physiognomy.
  • Know the physiology of mastication

Importance of Equine Dentistry

  • AAEP has an Equine Dentistry Campaign
  • Equine dentistry is related to medical and preventative care, especially in the geriatric population
  • There is a problem with processed feeds
  • There is an effect of Confinement and feeding practices
  • It is important when considering an athlete vs. a show model
  • Feed cost is important when comparing equine dentistry
  • Equine dentistry helps in client education and is a practice builder
  • Equine dentistry is a medical requirement that offers services and preventative medicine
  • Dentistry is crucial to prevent impaction colic and esophageal obstruction in horses
  • Good equine dentistry can help to prevent weight loss, oral ulcers, and oral abscesses/inflammation in horses
  • Appropriate and correctly selected Bridle/bit problems
  • Communication between the rider/driver to the horse is critical
  • Bridle/bit problems can include a cut tongue, mandibular periostitis (bars) or trauma-pinched/cut tissue
  • Communication can be western vs. English style of riding
  • Driving can be carrage/cart, with one or multiple horses
  • Soreness can include a gap mouth, pinned ears, and head tossing
  • Soreness can result in pushing into pain and can be mistaken for lameness

Anatomy

  • Hypsodont teeth erupt continually throughout a horse's life
  • Hypsodont teeth erupt at a specific rate per year
  • Hypsodont teeth have a reserve crown of 100 mm in length
  • Hypsodont teeth last for 25 to 30 years

Macro-anatomy

  • Cementum is a protective layer, similar to bone and covers the tooth
  • Enamel is the hardest, most dense substance in the body and forms ridges for grinding
  • Dentin is softer than enamel
  • Pulp contains connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves and predentin

Nerves of the teeth

  • The Trigeminal nerve (5th cranial nerve) innervates the teeth
  • Mandibular nerve extends to the Inferior alveolar nerve and finally to the Mental nerve which exits via mental foramen
  • Maxillary nerve travels to the Infra-orbital nerve via pterygopalatine fossa and exits via the infraorbital foramen

TMJ and Mastication

  • The TMJ has a wide range of movements
  • TMJ moves side to side and rostro-caudally
  • During head elevation, sternocephalicus muscles tense and the mandible elevates
  • During lowering of the head, the mandible moves rostral, opening the mouth
  • Horses have a transverse power stroke (medial) with Masseter and medial pterygoidius muscles assisting

Deciduous and Permanent Teeth

  • Deciduous teeth formula: (Di 3/3, Dc 0/0, Dm 3/3)2 = 24 teeth total
  • Permanent teeth formula: (I 3/3, C 1/1 or 0/0, PM 3/3 or 4/4, M 3/3)2 = 36 to 44 teeth total

Triadan System

  • Triadan numbering system assigns a unique number to each tooth
  • Deciduous teeth are numbered 501-603 and 701-803 in each quadrant

Aging

  • Shedding of incisors occurs at specific ages
  • Incisor 01 sheds at 2.5-3 years
  • Incisor 02 sheds at 3.5-4 years
  • Incisor 03 sheds at 4.5-5 years
  • Shedding caps (-06, -07, -08) are done at 4.5-5 years
  • Canines (_04) erupt in mostly males at around 4.5-5 years
  • Wolf Teeth (_05) are simple brachydont teeth
  • Wolf Teeth are present in 40-80% of horses typically in the upper: 105, 205 locations
  • Wolf Teeth erupt at 6-18 months
  • Aging of incisors can be assessed via the occlusal surface looking for dental stars and cups
  • Aging of incisors -Shape, Occlusal surface, direction, length/height of the tooth

Cheek Teeth Eruption Chart

  • Cheek tooth #_06 equates to Equus caballus 3
  • Cheek tooth #_07 equates to Equus caballus 4
  • Cheek tooth #_08 equates to Equus caballus 6
  • Cheek tooth #_09 equates to Equus caballus 1
  • Cheek tooth #_10 equates to Equus caballus 2
  • Cheek tooth #_11 equates to Equus caballus 5

Physiology

  • Mastication involves chewing to prepare ingesta for digestion
  • Modern day equids feed for 14-18 hours/day
  • Food type influences chewing patterns
  • Lush feed promotes more lateral excursion while drier feed---less lateral excursion
  • Mandibular condyles are angled at 15° in 2 planes
  • This angle correlates with the angle of the teeth and palatine ridges
  • The chewing cycle occurs in three stages: Opening stroke (1-2), Closing stroke (3-6), and Power stroke and reset (6-10)
  • Lophs basins assist Intradental oral cavity during teeth attrition
  • Auger movement during mastication is supported by palatine ridges and tongue

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