Radiographic evaluation of tooth drift after cheek tooth extraction and insertion of an intra-alveolar prosthesis in ponies.

The aim of the study was to investigate post-extraction tooth drift in ponies and the influence of an intra-alveolar prosthesis. The maxillary 08 was bilaterally repulsed in five ponies under general anaesthesia. On one side the alveolus was left to granulate, and on the other a synthetic bone substitute prosthesis was fitted. Standard radiographic projections of the head were taken monthly during the first year and at 24 months post-operatively. Different cephalometric parameters were measured and statistically analyzed. Rostral and caudal drift were recognized in molar and premolar teeth, respectively. The prosthesis significantly slowed down tooth drift (P<0.001). Although differences in the degree of secondary mandibular overgrowths (on 06s, 11s and 08s) were found between treatments, this had no important clinical consequences. Premolars showed significantly more tooth wear in comparison with molars (P<0.001). Tooth attrition was higher in the prosthesis treated sides (P<0.001).