Spontaneous realigning of a displaced equine premolar post extraction of an adjacent supernumerary tooth – two cases

Abstract

Two horses were presented with problems during ridden exercise due to a firm, sensitive swelling at the level of the cheek adjacent to an upper Triadan 06. Oral, radiographic and computed tomographic examinations (n=1) identified the presence of a palatal supernumerary tooth being the causing factor of a buccally displaced 06. In both cases, the supernumerary tooth was extracted on the standing sedated horse. A couple of months following extraction, the buccally displaced tooth had spontaneously moved into a more physiological position due to orthodontic forces of the cheek and masticatory forces. Both horses uneventfully returned to ridden work without further problems.