Authors: Pollaris Elke, Broeckx Bart J G, Rajasekharan Sivaprakash, Cauwels Rita, Vlaminck Lieven
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Fracture Resistance in Equine Cheek Teeth Cheek tooth fractures represent a significant clinical challenge in equine dentistry, yet the biomechanical factors influencing their occurrence remained poorly understood until this research. Pollaris and colleagues developed an ex vivo compression testing protocol using a universal testing machine to quantify fracture resistance across healthy equine cheek teeth and those bearing occlusal fissures, identifying anatomical predictors through regression analysis. Fracture resistance varied significantly depending on where load was applied across the occlusal surface (p < 0.001 for both maxillary and mandibular teeth), with additional influences from the Triadan tooth number in mandibular teeth and mesiodistal length of the occlusal surface in maxillary teeth; teeth with occlusal fissures demonstrated substantially lower fracture loads compared to fissure-free controls (mandibular p = 0.006; maxillary p < 0.001). The findings establish that fissures act as stress concentrators that compromise structural integrity and that fracture patterns differ predictably across the tooth surface, with deeper crown fractures more likely to expose pulp horns and necessitate endodontic intervention. For practitioners, these results provide evidence-based insights into why certain teeth and pathologies predispose to fracture, informing both preventative dental care strategies and treatment decision-making, though the model's limitations—lacking periodontal ligament buffering and true masticatory forces—mean findings should complement rather than replace clinical experience and in vivo observation.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Equine cheek teeth with existing fissures are substantially weaker and more prone to fracture during mastication—early detection and monitoring of fissures is clinically important
- •Fracture risk varies across different regions of the tooth crown; certain tooth locations are inherently more fracture-resistant than others, which may inform treatment planning
- •This ex vivo model provides a foundation for testing how dental treatments and pathologies affect tooth strength, though results should be interpreted cautiously as they don't fully replicate living tooth biomechanics
Key Findings
- •Fracture resistance of equine cheek teeth varied significantly by location on the tooth surface (p<0.001 for both maxillary and mandibular teeth)
- •Teeth with occlusal fissures showed significantly lower fracture loads compared to fissure-free controls (mandibular p=0.006, maxillary p<0.001)
- •Mesiodistal length of occlusal surface and Triadan number were significant anatomical predictors of fracture resistance in maxillary and mandibular teeth respectively
- •Crown fractures extending below simulated bone level were significantly more likely to expose pulp horns (p<0.001)