A rapid procedure for shortening canine teeth of nonhuman primates

A modified pulp cap procedure was utilized to shorten canine teeth of nonhuman primates. A temporary cap was made by cutting the tooth with a diamond-faced cutting disc, making a conical cavity in the tooth with a carbide dental burr, and filling the cavity with a rapid-hardening filler material. A permanent pulp cap was made by repeating the above technique, making three anchor holes, connecting the holes with a furrow, and capping with quick-setting dental restorative material or amalgam. These procedures provided a simple, rapid and uncomplicated alternative to canine tooth extraction.