Shedding deciduous teeth can be a source of oral irritation in horses that are 2–5 yr old. Deciduous tooth caps can become loosened, displaced, or fractured, leading to problems with mastication and biting. Abnormal eruption of permanent teeth is commonly a sequela of mandibular or maxillary trauma, eg, incisor avulsion fractures in cattle and horses in which the developing dental bud of the permanent tooth is damaged by the fracture itself or by the repair process. In horses, delayed eruption or impaction of cheek teeth is a common cause of periapical infection. This particularly affects the second and third cheek tooth (premolar 3 [Triadan 07s] and premolar 4 [Triadan 08s]) in both the upper and lower arcades and is a sequela of dental overcrowding. Medial displacement of the third cheek tooth is another form of abnormal eruption due to overcrowding.
OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER
Dentistry
Overview of Dentistry in Large Animals
Congenital and Developmental Anomalies of the Mouth and Dentition in Large Animals
Abnormal Tooth Eruption in Large Animals
Irregular Wear of the Dentition in Large Animals
Periodontal Disease in Large Animals
Dental Caries in Large Animals
Periodontal Disease in Small Animals
Endodontic Disease in Small Animals
Tooth Resorption in Small Animals
Developmental Abnormalities of the Mouth and Dentition in Small Animals
Dentofacial Trauma in Small Animals
Dental Caries in Small Animals
