408 Extraction

​This 7 year old Thoroughbred mare had a large right mandibular swelling at the level of her premolars. The firm 4cm x 2cm swelling on the middle of the right horizontal ramus of her mandible also had a small open draining tract. Her 408 had a fissure fracture through pulp horns 1 and 2 and a small draining tract on the buccal side of the tooth. Radiographs revealed apical blunting and periapical lucency of her 408, confirming a periapical abscess.

The patient was standing sedated and regional anesthesia of the 400 cheek tooth quadrant was administered. The 408 was extracted orally. Post extraction radiographs confirmed a vacated alveolus of the 408. A dental impression material packing was placed in the alveolus.

This horse was placed on antibiotics to assist with resolving the draining tract. Any discharge from the draining tract should resolve in the next 1-2 weeks. The swelling may take up to 6 months to resolve. 3-4 weeks post extraction the dental packing will be removed and replaced if needed. This horse should continue to have oral exams by a veterinarian every 6 months and reduction of the 108 as necessary, as it will get overlong due to having no tooth to wear against.