Removal of 11 Incompletely Erupted, Impacted Cheek Teeth in 10 Horses using a Dental Alveolar Transcortical Osteotomy and Buccotomy Approach

OBJECTIVE: To describe surgical technique and outcome in 10 horses with impacted cheek teeth that were removed by a transcortical osteotomy and buccotomy technique. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Horses (n=10) with impacted cheek teeth. METHODS: Medical records (2002-2008) of horses with impacted cheek teeth requiring removal were reviewed; surgical technique and outcome were determined. RESULTS: Exodontia of 11 cheek teeth was performed surgically in 10 horses; 3 horses had complications (residual swelling of the mandible) that resolved and all horses returned to their previous use. CONCLUSIONS: Transcortical buccotomy technique is effective for removal of incompletely erupted impacted cheek teeth in horses and has a good long-term prognosis for remission of clinical signs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Transcortical buccotomy approach is an effective technique for removal of unerupted impacted equine cheek teeth.