Anatomical and histological structure of the cavy’s teeth as a basis for diagnosis of dental diseases

Abstract

The cavy’s dentition can be shortly described as diphyodont, heterodont, and hypselodont. Histologically, each tooth consists of enamel formed of 4 layers of cells, which together form an apical bud, dentin formed by odontoblasts, and dental cementum. The facies lingualis of incisors is covered with classical acellular cementum, whereas a few circular islands of cementum pearls occur on facies labialis. There are 3 types of cementum in cheek teeth: acellular cementum, cementum pearls, and cartilage-like cementum. Constant tooth growth is ensured by an open pulp cavity within the apex. Periodontal ligaments that are part of the desmodontium are responsible for anchoring teeth in the alveolus.