Mandibular incisor teeth radiography and computed tomography in young horses

Abstract

We have studied a total of seventeen anatomical pieces of horse incisors with ages between 1 and 4,5 years old. The anatomical pieces were divided in groups and identified as group I. 1-2.5 years: twelve anatomical pieces; group II. 3.5-4 years: one anatomical piece, and group III. 4-4.5 years: four anatomical pieces. From each incisor was evaluated:1) the anatomical piece; 2) radiographs in the right lateral and intraoral views; 3) the computed tomography (CT) in the three planes of cut: axial, dorsal and sagittal, and 4) the three-dimensional reconstruction, highlighting the bone or the tooth, depending on the case. In group I., from 1 to 2.5 year with only deciduous incisor in the mouth, it was possible to see 4 different dental germs stages of the central permanents (301 and 401). Stage I: dental germs without content; stage II: with amorphous enamel content; stage III: with conical tooth formation, and stage IV: with very advanced phase of development. In group II., 2.5 years, the intraoral radiographs and CT show great internal development of 301 and 401 with a large pulp cavity and an infundibulum that occupies half of the occlusal surface of the tooth. In group III., 3.5-4 years, with corners (303 and 404) close to eruption, the radiographs and CT allow to observe the development level of each tooth, especially in the axial plane with clearly differences between them. The joint use of radiographs and CT allows better understanding of the intraoral radiographs and makes a more attractive teaching of the age of the horse´s mouth.