The Peridental Structures of Equine Cheek Teeth: An Age-Dependent Anatomical Study of Maxilla and Mandible

Sequestration is the most common complication following equine cheek tooth extraction, occurring predominantly in the mandible of younger horses. Extraction-related trauma to the peridental region may impair healing. Despite its clinical relevance, detailed knowledge of peridental anatomy remains limited. This study investigated age-related differences in the peridental region of maxillary and mandibular equine cheek teeth 07 to 09. The peridental region of 24 cheek teeth rows from six cadaver heads was sectioned horizontally at approximately 10 mm intervals. Sections were photographed and the proportion of adjacent structures (compact bone, spongy bone, maxillary sinus, nasal cavity) was quantified within a 1 mm zone of the peridental gap. Horses were assigned to three age groups. Maxillary teeth were surrounded by approximately 50% compact bone, while mandibular teeth showed a higher proportion of compact bone occlusally (60.3%) that decreased apically (to 23.7%). The proportion of compact bone generally increased with age. This descriptive anatomical study provides a novel anatomical characterization of the equine peridental region. The higher proportion of compact bone in the mandible suggests reduced bleeding into the empty alveolus. This could impair wound healing and reduce resorption capacity for bone fragments. This may explain the increased risk of sequestration.