Summary It is widely accepted that the convergence angle of a full veneer crown preparation should be as close to parallel as possible to attain adequate retention/resistance. The shape of the dog’s canine tooth limits the veterinary dentists’ ability to achieve the recommended convergence angle. However, the clinically achievable convergence angle of the canine tooth in dogs has not been evaluated. In addition, the convergence angle and other physical properties of a preparation, such as height and base diameter, have been shown to affect the retention/resistance of full veneer crowns, in vitro. This effect has not been evaluated clinically in the dog. Physical properties of 32 stone dies from full veneer crowns of canine teeth were studied to evaluate the clinically achievable convergence angle and the potential effect physical properties of the preparation had on the clinical outcome of the restoration. The clinically achievable convergence angle was much higher than the current recommendation. There was an association, albeit not statistically significant, between physical properties of a preparation (convergence angle, height, base diameter) and the clinical outcome of the restoration.

Crown therapy is commonly used in veterinary medicine to provide support to teeth which have previously fractured, received root canal therapy, have significant wear, or experienced other detrimental removal of tooth substance. As with several aspects of veterinary medicine, many of the recommendations or guidelines for crown therapy originate from human dentistry, which are then transferred to veterinary patients. Due to the significant difference in the anatomy of teeth and function of the oral cavity between humans and dogs, these guidelines need to be studied to determine the appropriateness of their use in veterinary patients. This article evaluates the relationship between surface area of the preparation and clinical outcome of full veneer crown therapy of the canine tooth in dogs. Although there appeared to be a positive relationship between preparations with greater surface area and successful clinical outcome, it was not found to be statistically significant.

This case series characterizes the clinicopathologic features and treatment of oral pyogenic granuloma in 8 cats. The cats reported here were patients originating from collaborative efforts at an academic clinical teaching hospital and a specialty dentistry/oral surgery referral practice. Although the initial biopsy results were variable, in all cases the diagnosis reflected an inflammatory process. A second clinicopathologic evaluation of these cases determined that all lesions were consistent with oral pyogenic granuloma. The location of the lesion was consistent among all cats within the present study Lesions developed at the vestibular mucogingival tissues of the mandibular first molar teeth. We propose that malocclusion and secondary traumatic contact of the ipsilateral maxillary fourth premolar tooth with the mandibular soft tissues is a possible contributing factor in the etiopathogenic mechanism.