Micro-CT and histological examination of accessory canals in 34 equine cheek teeth.
Authors: Korsós Szabolcs A, Staszyk Carsten, Boone Matthieu, Josipovic Iván, Vogelsberg Jörg, Vlaminck Lieven
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Accessory Canals in Equine Cheek Teeth Accessory canals and apical deltas—anatomical features well-characterised in human dentistry as sites where bacterial biofilm can persist—have received minimal attention in equine dental literature despite their potential relevance to endodontic treatment outcomes. Researchers used micro-CT imaging of 34 healthy equine cheek teeth (aged 4–9 years) combined with histological examination of three specimens to map the prevalence and distribution of these fine anatomical structures. Nearly all teeth examined (94%) contained accessory canals, with individual teeth harbouring up to 44 separate canals ranging from the root furcation to the apex and varying considerably in diameter; apical deltas in various developmental stages were identified in 84% of roots. Whilst histology confirmed the micro-CT findings, some canals appeared obliterated by reparative dentine, suggesting the anatomy may change with age and use. For equine practitioners undertaking endodontic treatment, these findings underscore the considerable complexity of cheek tooth root systems and raise questions about the adequacy of current instrumentation and obturation protocols—though research on diseased teeth is needed to determine whether these canals represent a meaningful clinical liability in the horse as they do in human dentistry.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Accessory canals are common anatomical features in equine cheek teeth and represent a significant challenge for endodontic treatment success; clinicians should expect complex root anatomy when treating pulp pathology
- •The presence of these canals as bacterial reservoirs may explain endodontic treatment failures in horses, similar to documented human dentistry cases
- •Current endodontic treatment protocols may need refinement for equine teeth given the high prevalence and variability of accessory canals
Key Findings
- •Accessory canals were present in 32 of 34 healthy equine cheek teeth (94%), with up to 44 canals per tooth
- •Apical deltas in various developmental stages were identified in 84% of examined roots
- •Accessory canals ranged from the root furcation to the apex with highly variable diameters
- •Histological examination confirmed micro-CT findings, though some accessory canals were obliterated by reparative dentin