Correction of malocclusion secondary to maxillary impaction fractures using a mandibular symphyseal realignment in eight cats

Abstract

Eight cats with stable impaction fractures of the maxilla, sufficient to cause malocclusion, were treated by mandibular symphyseal realignment. The mandibular symphyseal realignment allowed occlusion to be restored with a minimal amount of dental work (e.g., enameloplasty, endodontics, or tooth extraction) in a majority of the cases. Enameloplasties were performed in two cats, one of which had a vital pulpotomy. Tooth extractions (range, two to five teeth; mean, 3.3 teeth) were performed in four cats. All cats were doing well at the time of in-hospital follow-up at one month to four years (mean, 2.1 yrs) postoperatively. Further telephone follow-up was obtained, from 1.5 to five years (mean, 3.4 yrs) after surgery, from all but one owner, with no change from the in-hospital evaluations. All owners contacted were pleased with the long-term outcome.