Changes

==Missing teeth==

==Missing teeth==

Congenitally missing teeth are common findings in dogs. Missing teeth may be of no functional significance to the patient, but [[Intra-Oral Radiography|radiographs]] should be taken to prevent a misdiagnosis of an unerupted or impacted tooth, which may lead to further problems, such as obstruction of the [[Nasal Cavity - Anatomy & Physiology|nasal passages]] or the development of a dentigerous cyst.  

Congenitally missing teeth are common findings in dogs. Missing teeth may be of no functional significance to the patient, but [[Intra-Oral Radiography - Small Animal|radiographs]] should be taken to prevent a misdiagnosis of an unerupted or impacted tooth, which may lead to further problems, such as obstruction of the [[Nasal Cavity - Anatomy & Physiology|nasal passages]] or the development of a dentigerous cyst.  

[[:Category:Teeth - Anatomy & Physiology|Teeth]] that are missing either never developed or failed to erupt. These disturbances may be inherited but may also be acquired or idiopathic. They may be congenital or may occur later during the formation of the tooth.  

[[:Category:Teeth - Anatomy & Physiology|Teeth]] that are missing either never developed or failed to erupt. These disturbances may be inherited but may also be acquired or idiopathic. They may be congenital or may occur later during the formation of the tooth.  

Teeth may be truly absent as a result of an inherited abnormality or can result from sturbances in the formation of the tooth during the initial stages of development. A complete absence of teeth is known as '''''anodontia''''', which is very rarely seen in dogs. '''''Hypodontia''''', the absence of a few teeth, is relatively common in dogs and is seen affecting many breeds. The premolars appear to be the most affected teeth. In people, ''anodontia'' has been associated with ectodermal dysplasia. This may be similar in our hairless breeds that will often present with missing or malformed teeth. An unerupted tooth may be unerupted due to the presence of thick fibrous gingival tissue. The teeth most commonly affected are the first premolars. A [[Intra-Oral Radiography|radiograph]] should be taken to confirm the presence of the tooth. If a tooth is present a procedure called an '''operculectomy''' is performed (excision of gingival tissue) to allow crown exposure and further eruption of the tooth.  

Teeth may be truly absent as a result of an inherited abnormality or can result from sturbances in the formation of the tooth during the initial stages of development. A complete absence of teeth is known as '''''anodontia''''', which is very rarely seen in dogs. '''''Hypodontia''''', the absence of a few teeth, is relatively common in dogs and is seen affecting many breeds. The premolars appear to be the most affected teeth. In people, ''anodontia'' has been associated with ectodermal dysplasia. This may be similar in our hairless breeds that will often present with missing or malformed teeth. An unerupted tooth may be unerupted due to the presence of thick fibrous gingival tissue. The teeth most commonly affected are the first premolars. A [[Intra-Oral Radiography - Small Animal|radiograph]] should be taken to confirm the presence of the tooth. If a tooth is present a procedure called an '''operculectomy''' is performed (excision of gingival tissue) to allow crown exposure and further eruption of the tooth.  

An '''impacted tooth''' is a tooth that has failed to erupt, as the path of eruption has been obstructed by another tooth or some other physical barrier. <font color="red">(pic15impacted)</font color> Occasionally it may be due to an abnormal eruption path secondary to unusual orientation of the tooth bud. This can be a result of malformation of the tooth bud or as a result of trauma to the developing tooth bud.

An '''impacted tooth''' is a tooth that has failed to erupt, as the path of eruption has been obstructed by another tooth or some other physical barrier. <font color="red">(pic15impacted)</font color> Occasionally it may be due to an abnormal eruption path secondary to unusual orientation of the tooth bud. This can be a result of malformation of the tooth bud or as a result of trauma to the developing tooth bud.