Diagnosis and surgical treatment of periapical infection of the third mandibular molar in five horses
Gayle, J.M.; Redding, W.R.; Vacek, J.R.; Bowman, K.F.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 215(6): 829
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 10496139 Document Number: 510697
Diagnosis and treatment of periapical infection of the third mandibular molar in 5 horses was assessed. In 4 of 5 horses, there was a recent history of dental work performed. Diagnosis required multiple imaging techniques. Radiography revealed evidence of periapical bone lysis or tooth root lysis of the third mandibular molar in 3 of 5 horses. Sonographic examination was effective in identifying abscesses within the masseter muscle and defects of the lateral cortex of the mandible in 4 of 5 horses. Nuclear scintigraphy was diagnosed in 1 of 2 horses examined. All horses were treated by repulsion of the affected tooth. The surgical approach involved elevating masseter muscle from the caudal portion of the mandible. This approach provided excellent access to the affected tooth with minimum postoperative complication. All incisions healed with good cosmetic results.