Radiographic evaluation in clinical practice of the types and stage of incisor tooth resorption and hypercementosis in horses.
Authors: Henry T J, Puchalski S M, Arzi B, Kass P H, Verstraete F J M
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Radiographic Evaluation of Incisor Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis in Horses Dental resorption in horses has been documented sporadically in the literature, but previous investigations were constrained by small sample sizes and a focus on advanced pathology, leaving a gap in understanding early-stage lesions that might be detected radiographically before clinical manifestations become apparent. Henry and colleagues conducted a radiographic assessment of incisor tooth resorption across a substantial equine population, adapting diagnostic classification systems already established in canine and human dentistry to develop robust interpretation criteria applicable to equine teeth. The study revealed distinct types and stages of resorptive lesions that could be identified radiographically, with many cases presenting without overt clinical signs—findings that align with the predictive value of radiographic diagnosis recognised in other species. For equine practitioners, these results underpin the case for routine incisor radiography as part of comprehensive oral examinations, potentially enabling earlier identification and intervention in resorptive disease progression. Understanding the radiographic staging system offers farriers, veterinarians and dental specialists a standardised framework for monitoring these lesions, documenting progression, and making informed decisions about tooth retention versus extraction before complications such as pain or secondary infection develop.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Radiographic screening of incisor teeth enables early detection of resorption before clinical signs manifest, allowing for preventive management strategies
- •Standardized radiographic interpretation criteria from other veterinary species can be effectively applied to equine dental disease assessment
- •Regular radiographic evaluation should be incorporated into routine equine dental examinations to identify subclinical tooth resorption and hypercementosis
Key Findings
- •Radiographic evaluation of incisor tooth resorption in horses can be systematically classified using interpretation criteria adapted from canine and human dentistry
- •Tooth resorption types can be identified radiographically before clinical signs become apparent in horses
- •Study represents a larger population evaluation of equine incisor pathology compared to previous limited case reports