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Unlocking new insights in canine dentistry
January 1, 2023
Canadian researchers Dr. Marie-Christine Morin and Dr. Jérôme D’Astous from the Centre vétérinaire Daubigny recently published an innovative study in canine dentistry in Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
Across the VetStrategy and Groupe vétérinaire Daubigny’s network, veterinary teams are consistently striving to improve patient care, and research plays a vital role in that mission. Two Canadian researchers, Dr. Marie-Christine Morin and Dr. Jérôme D’Astous from the Centre vétérinaire Daubigny located in Québec City, recently published their study in the journal, Frontiers in Veterinary Science: A micro-CT study of the pulp cavity morphology of maxillary fourth premolar teeth in dogs.
About the study
The research focused on the pulp cavity morphology of the maxillary fourth premolar teeth in dogs—a tooth that plays a key role in chewing and is often affected by dental disease. By using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging at an ultra-fine scale, the team was able to create 3D reconstructions of the tooth’s internal anatomy.
The study provides a detailed description of the pulp cavity morphology, highlighting variations in pulp horn morphology and root canal orifice position—anatomic details important to guide endodontic access and canal shaping.
Dr. Morin explained: “A micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanner, a highly specialized device available only at a university research institute, was required to capture at a 25-micrometer scale images of small biological tissues. This project relied on expert staff in image acquisition for this type of study. For the very first time, we were able to see the internal morphology of a dog premolar in 3D.”
Figure 1. Landmarks on the crown of the maxillary fourth premolar in dogs according to the Osborn’s terminology.
Recognition and impact
The results were presented at the Veterinary Dental Forum in Palm Springs, California last fall. Dr. Morin received the award for the study with the greatest clinical impact. We are proud that their project has a tangible impact on veterinary dental practice. Dr. Morin was also invited to present her project in Paris at the InnoV’aCtion event, organized by IVC Evidensia.
Left: Study results presented at the Veterinary Dental Forum
Right: Presentation at the InnoV’aCtion event, organized by IVC Evidensia
We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our Canadian colleagues, whose work is advancing knowledge in veterinary dentistry and helping improve clinical outcomes for patients.
This research was supported by the IVC Evidensia Research Fund.