MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF PULP IN NORMAL AND DISEASED EQUINE CHEEK TEETH

A retrospective analysis of 619 upper and lower cheek teeth from 62 horses was performed. Based on clinical findings, as well as radiographic and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings, the teeth were classified into five groups. There were 20 teeth with abnormal MR imaging signals as well as clinical alterations and 599 healthy teeth. Using MR imaging, the appearance of pulp in diseased and disease‐free teeth was compared, and the appearance of abnormal pulp was studied. Subsequently, the ability of MR imaging to diagnose pulpitis and pulp necrosis in teeth with normal external appearance was investigated. In horses with clinically verified dental disease, abnormal MR imaging findings were confirmed in the pulp of all affected teeth. An enlarged blurred pulp image with a lower signal intensity was observed only in clinically diseased teeth and was a reliable criterion for diagnosing dental disease on MR imaging. On the other hand, partial or complete absence of pulp in all MR imaging sequences was observed in both diseased and nondiseased teeth. These data demonstrate that pulp changes in equine cheek teeth can be evaluated using MR imaging.     

清热止痛方治疗急性牙髓炎的疗效及其对根尖组织的影响

目的 分析清热止痛方治疗急性牙髓炎的疗效及其对根尖组织的影响。方法 选择2014年11月至2015年8月间在本院进行急性牙髓炎治疗的患者共70例,按随机数字表法分为两组,对照组和观察组各35例。对照组采用根管治疗术法,观察组在此基础上加用清热止痛方治疗。比较两组患者治疗效果、疼痛程度,相关指标（白细胞、肌酐、谷丙转氨酶）及牙根扛折性。结果 观察组总有效率及疼痛程度显著优于对照组（P<0.05）;治疗前后两组的肌酐、谷丙转氨酶水平无明显变化（P>0.05）;而白细胞治疗前后及组间对比,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;治疗后观察组牙根抗折性能明显提高,与对照组有显著差异（P<0.05）。结论 清热止痛方治疗急性牙髓炎安全有效,副作用小,能有效缓解患者剧烈疼痛,提高患者机体免疫功能。     

The prevalence of secondary dentinal lesions in cheek teeth from horses with clinical signs of pulpitis compared to controls

Reasons for performing study: With the advent of detailed oral examination in horses using dental mirrors and rigid endoscopy, secondary dentinal lesions are observed more frequently. More information regarding the association of secondary dentinal defects with apical dental disease would improve the sensitivity of oral examination as a diagnostic aid for pulpitis. Objectives: To assess prevalence and severity of secondary dentinal defects observed on examination of occlusal surfaces of cheek teeth (CT) from horses showing clinical signs of pulpitis compared to asymptomatic controls. Methods: Records from all cases of equine CT exodontia at the University of Bristol over a 4 year period were examined. Case selection criteria included the presence of clinical signs of pulpitis, an intact extracted tooth and availability of a complete history and follow up. Cases where coronal fracture or periodontal pocketing featured were excluded. CT from cadavers with no history of dental disease served as normal controls. Triadan positions and eruption ages of control teeth were matched with those of teeth extracted from cases. CT from selected cases and control teeth were examined occlusally. Secondary dentinal defects were identified and graded. Prevalence of occlusal lesions in CT with pulpitis and controls was compared. Results: From the records of 120 horses where exodontia was performed, 40 cases matched selection criteria. Twenty‐three mandibular and 21 maxillary CT were extracted from cases. The controls consisted of 60 mandibular and 60 maxillary CT from 7 cadaver skulls. Secondary dentinal defects were significantly over‐represented in CT extracted from cases of pulpitis (P<0.001). Of diseased mandibular CT, 56.5% had defects compared to none of the controls. Of diseased maxillary CT, 57% had defects compared with 1.6% of controls. Multiple defective secondary dentinal areas and severe lesions were more prevalent in diseased mandibular CT compared with diseased maxillary CT. Conclusions and practical significance: Careful examination of occlusal secondary dentine is an essential component in investigation of suspected pulpitis in equine CT.