Periodontal biomechanics: finite element simulations of closing stroke and power stroke in equine cheek teeth.
Authors: Cordes Vanessa, Lüpke Matthias, Gardemin Moritz, Seifert Hermann, Staszyk Carsten
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary Periapical inflammation and other periodontal diseases remain significant clinical challenges in equine practice, with anachoresis (bacterial seeding via bloodstream) widely implicated, yet the biomechanical preconditions enabling pathogenic colonisation of periodontal tissues remain poorly understood. Using micro-computed tomography datasets, Cordes and colleagues constructed three-dimensional finite element models of equine maxillary and mandibular cheek teeth to quantify stress and strain distributions within the periodontal ligament during both closing and power strokes of mastication. The analysis revealed that the power stroke generates substantially greater mechanical stress within PDL tissues compared to the closing stroke, suggesting that biomechanical trauma during chewing may compromise the protective barrier function of the periodontium and create a microenvironment permissive to bacterial colonisation. These findings provide biomechanical context for understanding why certain horses develop periapical pathology and indicate that excessive occlusal forces or prolonged power-stroke duration could represent identifiable risk factors worth monitoring clinically. For practitioners, this work underscores the potential value of evaluating occlusal balance and mastication efficiency as preventive strategies, particularly in horses predisposed to or recovering from periodontal disease.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Understanding that excessive masticatory forces create stress concentrations in the PDL may explain why horses develop periapical disease and help guide preventive management strategies
- •Consider the biomechanical environment when evaluating horses with recurrent cheek tooth problems—excessive wear patterns or malocclusion may amplify PDL stress
- •Proper dental care and equilibration to optimize occlusal forces may reduce PDL strain and lower the risk of periapical inflammation
Key Findings
- •Finite element analysis revealed excessive strains and stresses in the periodontal ligament during both closing and power strokes of equine mastication
- •Biomechanical stress patterns in the PDL may predispose to bacterial settlement and periapical inflammation
- •Virtual 3D models based on micro-CT datasets effectively demonstrate periodontal biomechanical forces in equine cheek teeth