Timing of apical closure of the maxillary canine and mandibular first molar teeth of cats.

Stage of apical closure was determined by radiographing the jaws of 15 cats at intervals from 5-11 months of age. The apices of the left mandibular first molar tooth were closed in all 15 cats by seven months of age and the apices of the left maxillary canine teeth were all closed by 11 months of age. The implications of the age of closure on endodontic pathology and treatment are discussed.