Tooth extraction techniques in horses, pet animals and man

Abstract

Several techniques have been developed to extract teeth in different animal species regularly seen in veterinary practice. Many of these techniques have a lot of similarities with human extraction techniques, whereas others are species specific. Overall, they can be divided into simple or closed extractions, and surgical extraction techniques. Simple extractions involve the removal of teeth or root fragments using an intra-oral approach and without exposing or removing alveolar bone. More complex intra- or extra-oral approaches and surgical techniques are used during surgical extractions. This paper reviews the current concepts of the different methods for removing teeth in horses, dogs, cats, lagomorphs and rodents, and compares them with human exodontic procedures.