Canine malocclusion

RE: Canine malocclusion

Stephen Courtney — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 07:10:14 GMT

I think daily brushing would remove most of the risks of leaving the tooth...and lately I believe I'm having more success persuading clients to brush their dog's teeth. But yes, extraction of 204 would prevent future issues.

Ever deluded about compliance!

RE: Canine malocclusion

Evelyn Barbour-Hill — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 00:10:57 GMT

Orthodontic syndrome known colloquially as "lance tooth". I have only ever seen it in Shelties, where it is not uncommon. (I usually deplore these diminutive versions of breed names – but frankly "Sheltie" seems better than "Shetland Sheepdog" seeing as these things would be completely useless as any sort of sheepdog......)

It can be confidently expected to be corrected well by orthodontic means using a chain elastic applied by someone who knows what they are doing. It would also be very reasonable to extract the 204 instead.

Having said that, one does wonder whether, despite the unpleasant appearance, any much harm is being done, as Stephen hinted. On the whole though, I'd have the same worries as Rob.

RE: Canine malocclusion

Rob Davis — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 15:32:48 GMT

I would have a couple of concerns with leaving this:

1) you are likely to get accelerated periodontal disease between 203 and 204 because of the proximity of these teeth. The mesioverted maxillary canine (lance tooth) may also have a pseudopocket due to incomplete eruption (need to probe to fine out).

2) there is a fair chance that the mandibular canine (304) is touching 204 when the mouth closes which could cause trauma to either or both teeth (it is difficult to tell from the photo).

Options are:

1) Leave and monitor

2) Extract 204

3) Extract 203 to avoid overcrowding

4) Crown shortening on 204 with pulp capping or conventional root canal treatment (probably not a great option)

5) Orthodontic movement of 204 - likely to require a chain and button technique.

I'm sure Evelyn and Pete will have more to add (or may disagree...)

RE: Canine malocclusion

Stephen Courtney — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 10:02:47 GMT

If the tooth isn't pressing into soft tissues, and the opposing teeth aren't either, then i would leave it alone, apart from trying to persuade the owner to brush this dogs teeth - this would be helpful generally but especially where 204 presses against 203