This 13 week old Coton de Tulear has a malocclusion.

Question:

What is the correct classification of this occlusion?

• Answer:

  

  Class II Malocclusion (Mandibular Distocclusion)

Question:

What are the two immediate sequelae of the malocclusion?

• Answer:

  1. Palatal mucosa trauma, infection, and pain secondary to contact of the mandibular canines and incisors.

  2. Prevention of the potential normal caudal-to-rostral mandibular growth due to the adverse tooth/palate interlock.

Question:

What is the appropriate treatment to address both of these problems?

• Answer:

  

  Extraction of the deciduous mandibular canines and incisors.

  

Question:

How would you approach the initial consultation with the owner regarding prognosis?

• Answer:

  Although recommended treatment involves removal of the adverse dental interlock and pain associated with the malocclusion, the patient may not achieve normal occlusion and further treatment may be necessary as the adult dentition erupts.  Additional treatments may include a bite block, an inclined plane, odontoplasty, crown amputation and vital pulpectomy with vital pulp therapy, extractions, or a combination of these to eliminate adult tooth-on-tooth or tooth-on-tissue trauma.