Corkscrew Technique for Extraction of Premolars and Molars in Standing Sedated Horses: Cadaveric Study and Clinical Cases

Abstract

Several tooth extraction techniques are described in equine literature, and oral extraction techniques in standing sedated horses are popular among equine practitioners. The objectives of this study were to develop the corkscrew technique for cheek tooth extraction (CSET) in equine cadaver heads and evaluate this technique in clinical cases. We hypothesized that the CSET could be performed safely to extract cheek teeth in standing sedated horses. First, the CSET was attempted and developed in eight equine cadaver heads. Second, the CSET was performed in clinical cases between 2016 and 2020, and the following information was recorded: diagnosis, affected tooth, procedure duration, intraoperative difficulties, tooth size, postoperative complications, medication, hospitalization time, and 1-year follow-up. Sixteen CSET procedures were performed in eight equine skulls with a 75% success rate. In 24 clinical cases, 25 CSET procedures were attempted to extract 22 superior and 3 inferior cheek teeth. CSET was successful in 76% of procedures. Fractures of the tooth and stripping of screw threads were the major complications that led to the failure of CSET. CSET is a viable and safe technique to extract cheek teeth in standing sedated horses. Longitudinal drilling is a must for this technique to be successful.

Keywords

• premolar
• molar
• tooth
• extraction
• horse
• head