DEVELOPMENTAL CONDITIONS
Occasionally we see congenital or genetic dental conditions such as invagination folds of enamel or malocclusion in large felids.
The enamel defects allow bacterial invasion of the pulp chambers and eventually cause pulp necrosis at a relatively early age and associated abscess intra and extra-orally. The only treatment possible is extraction of the tooth or teeth in question.
Mandibular abscess caused by pulp necrosis. (Asiatic Lion)
The enamel invaginations in the permanent mandibular canine causing the congenital pulp exposure and abscess in the previous photograph. (Asiatic Lion)
Malocclusion causing food packing. (African Lion)
Palatal trauma caused by malocclusion. (Amur Tiger)
Periapical abscess caused by congenital enamel invaginations. (Asiatic Lion)
Malocclusion with the lower canine traumatising the palate. (Asiatic Lion)