Cheek Teeth Malocclusions
Determining the presence and extent of cheek tooth disease is the first step in treatment. An intraoral examination via endoscopy or otoscopy only detects intraoral overgrowth. Skull radiographs are essential to accurately determine the extent of oral disease. Radiographs of a smaller, compliant patient can be taken with a dental x-ray machine without sedation (Figure 3), but large and/or agitated patients require sedation for acquisition of skull films using a standard x-ray table. Typically, right and left lateral, right and left lateral-oblique, and dorsoventral views are required. Once acquired, interpretation can be facilitated using anatomic reference lines.3
Figure 3. In a small, compliant patient, dental radiographs may be taken without sedation: Lateral radiograph (A), dorsoventral radiograph (B)
Full anesthesia is necessary to access the oral cavity. Multiple protocols to safely anesthetize a rabbit exist, but intubation is preferred for prolonged procedures. Treatment begins with reduction of the intraoral crown length to more anatomically correct contour(s). Probing helps detect periodontal pockets; these should be cleaned. Any tooth with deep pockets, mobility, and purulent debris is a candidate for extraction, especially if an abscess is present. Once the diseased tooth is extracted, the abscess should be opened from the dermal aspect, cleaned, debrided, and flushed copiously. Suturing the stoma open slows closure, allowing treatment until the infection is resolved.
Related Article: Surgical Treatment of Periapical Mandibular Abscess in Rabbits