title: Diagnosis and surgical treatment of periapical infection of the third mandibular molar in five horses.
abstract: 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 diagnostic in 1 of 2 horses examined. All horses were treated by repulsion of the affected tooth. The surgical approach involved elevating the masseter muscle from the caudal portion of the mandible. This approach provided excellent access to the affected tooth with minimal postoperative complications. All incisions healed with good cosmetic results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27606, USA.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Gayle
authors.forename: W R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Redding
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Vacek
authors.forename: K F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Bowman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008406:Masseter Muscle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008963:Molar / Q000601:surgery*; D010482:Periapical Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D011859:Radiography; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000662:veterinary*; D014463:Ultrasonography