Occlusal fissures in equine cheek teeth: μCT and histological findings.
Authors: Pollaris E, Staszyk C, Proost K, Boone M N, Josipovic I, Pardon B, Vlaminck L
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
# Occlusal fissures in equine cheek teeth: what the imaging reveals Whilst surface fissures on equine cheek teeth are routinely observed during oral examinations, their true depth, extent and potential for initiating pulp disease remain poorly understood. Pollaris and colleagues employed high-resolution micro-computed tomography (μCT) scanning of 27 cheek teeth from 15 horses alongside histological analysis to characterise these lesions, identifying 43 type 1 fissures with considerable variation in their dimensions: type 1a fissures averaged 3.47 mm occlusal length but extended 13.22 mm into the tooth structure, whilst the narrower type 1b fissures (13.64 mm occlusal length) penetrated only 7.42 mm apically. Location within the tooth and Triadan number proved significant predictors of fissure depth, with histological examination revealing organic debris and microorganisms tracking along dentinal tubules—a concerning finding given the direct pathway to pulpal tissue this creates. The encouraging finding was evidence of reactionary dentine formation in healthy teeth, where vital odontoblasts respond by sealing patent tubules and limiting microbial ingress; however, this protective mechanism's reliability and the fissure characteristics that overwhelm it remain clinically relevant questions for practitioners evaluating the significance of occlusal fissuring during routine examinations.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Occlusal fissures on cheek teeth are not merely cosmetic findings—they represent pathways for bacterial invasion into the pulp; careful examination and monitoring are warranted during routine oral assessments
- •Tooth location matters: certain teeth and positions are at higher risk for deeper fissures that may compromise pulp health; document fissure depth and characteristics for longitudinal tracking
- •Healthy teeth can seal themselves through reactionary dentine production, but this defense mechanism may be overwhelmed by heavy bacterial challenge; maintain good oral hygiene and consider dietary management to reduce occlusal trauma that drives fissure development
Key Findings
- •43 type 1 fissures identified in 27 equine cheek teeth, with type 1a fissures averaging 3.47 mm surface length and 13.22 mm depth, and type 1b averaging 13.64 mm surface length and 7.42 mm depth
- •Fissure location and Triadan tooth number were significantly associated with fissure depth using multivariable mixed model analysis
- •Histological examination revealed microorganisms within fissures extending into dentinal tubules, with reactionary dentine formation present in healthy teeth as a protective response
- •Occlusal fissures provide a potential pathway for microbial entry leading to local pulpal inflammation, with vital odontoblasts responding by producing reactionary dentine that seals patent tubules