Dental sectioning for intraoral equine cheek teeth extractions: 29 cases.
Authors: Leps Alexis, Korsos Szabolcs, Clarysse Michèle, Vlaminck Lieven
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Dental Sectioning for Equine Cheek Tooth Extraction: Clinical Outcomes and Indications Intraoral cheek tooth extraction in horses requires careful technique selection, particularly when teeth are compromised by disease, fracture, or anatomical complexity. Leps and colleagues reviewed 29 cases (6.3% of 461 extractions performed) in which dental sectioning—the controlled fragmentation of the tooth into smaller segments prior to removal—was employed, examining the clinical decision-making process and post-operative complications. All sectioned teeth were successfully extracted; however, oro-sinusal fistula (pathological communication between the extraction site and the maxillary sinus) developed in 13.7% of cases, representing the primary post-operative concern. The authors emphasise that sectioning represents a viable alternative or complementary approach to other minimally invasive extraction techniques, though success depends on rigorous pre-operative planning including detailed oroscopy and diagnostic imaging, coupled with robust sedation, analgesia, and patient cooperation. For practitioners managing complex cheek tooth cases, understanding when sectioning is indicated—and recognising that oro-sinusal complications require appropriate management—can improve extraction outcomes and client communication regarding realistic post-operative expectations.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Sectioning is a reliable technique for cheek teeth extraction with high success rates; consider it as an option when other minimal invasive techniques are contraindicated
- •Plan for oro-sinusal fistula risk (13.7% incidence); ensure thorough pre-operative imaging and clinical examination to identify sinus involvement before surgery
- •Success depends on excellent sedation, analgesia, and horse compliance—adequate pain management and restraint are critical for this technique
Key Findings
- •Dental sectioning was used in 6.3% (29/461) of cheek teeth extraction cases
- •100% success rate for tooth extraction using sectioning technique
- •Oro-sinusal fistula occurred in 13.7% (4/29) of cases as the main post-operative complication
- •Sectioning technique can be used alone or combined with other minimally invasive extraction methods