ABSTRACT
Soft tissue damage and thermal injury to the tooth pulp must be avoided by careful use of wooden tongue depressors to shield and retract tissues and the application of water to dissipate heat. Excessive shortening of the cheek teeth must be avoided, as mastication of fibrous food is prevented if the arcades are taken out of occlusion, predisposing to postoperative anorexia, gut stasis and hepatic lipidosis. There is frequently elongation of pulp tissue in affected teeth and exposure of this overzealous shortening will result in pulp exposure and pain. In advanced dental disease there is also the chance that tooth growth may cease before occlusion is regained. b Analgesia is essential to encourage eating and acceptance of a more fibrous diet as soon as possible after the procedure. Sources of pain include ulceration caused by spurs, exposure of sensitive dentine and stretching of masticatory muscles, tendons and ligaments to accommodate the increased range of mandibular movement. Antibiosis is required in the presence of ulceration or periodontal/periapical infection. Gut motility stimulants help prevent ileus, especially in a previously anorexic patient, as does syringe feeding of a concentrated herbivore diet. The latter also helps to maintain a positive energy and fluid balance, and correct previous nutritional deficiencies. c In early cases, dentistry and an improved diet may be curative. However, changes in shape, position and direction of growth of teeth are permanent and so malocclusion will recur, requiring further dentistry. Nevertheless, provision of a suitable diet will retard the progression and correct underlying nutritional deficiency, which in turn will support the integrity of dental tissues and guard against periodontal infection. Ultimately, tooth growth may cease. In the absence of spurs or infection, and with provision of an appropriate diet, the rabbit may manage even with only a few remaining teeth.
