Investigation and Management of Equine Cheek Teeth Apical Infections

Apical infection is a more accurate term to use in equids than “tooth root infection” as these infections often develop in young horses prior to any true root development, but they can also occur in older cheek teeth with well developed roots. These infections are usually an extension of pulpar disease through the apical foramen into the peri-apical (apical) periodontal tissues. Apical infections of incisor or canine teeth are rare in horses, but apical infections of cheek teeth are relatively common. Cheek teeth (CT) apical infections are particularly clinically significant in horses because of the length of the reserve crowns of affected cheek teeth, that usually have intact periodontal membranes that does not allow the exudate to readily discharge into the oral cavity. Consequently the infections usually spread around the apex, causing clinical changes to the alveoli and supporting bones. […]