Teeth Abnormalities in the Dog

Teeth abnormalities can be genetically induced by disturbances in the differentiation of the dental lamina and the tooth buds, and are relatively common in dogs, especially in purebred and line-bred dogs in which the genetic fault has been perpetuated. They are most common in small-breed dogs but occur in large breeds, too. The aim of our study was to investigate permanent tooth anomalies in dogs. In 627 dogs referred for dental treatment we observed the presence of hypodontia, impacted teeth, hyperdontia, supernumerary and hyponumerary roots, focal macrodontia, focal microdontia, gemination, concrescence, fusion, dilaceration and enamel pearls. Teeth anomalies were detected in 288 (45.93%) dogs of different skull shape. The most common anomalies in the observed population were dilaceration of the root with 99 (34.4%) third lower and upper incisors, fourth lower and upper premolars and first lower and upper molars involved and hypodontia with 93 (32.3%) first and second lower and upper premolars, and third lower molars involved. The proportion of an uncommon anomaly, such as fusion, was statistically significant (p < 0.01) for second lower and upper premolars 34 (11.8%) and lower and upper molars. 22 (7.6%) dogs had hyperodontia. The most affected teeth were the second lower and upper incisors. In 18 (6.3%) dogs we observed supernumerary roots. Hyponumerary roots, macro- and microdontia