href="#ulink_43d5f0f1-3259-56f1-96e6-f8f85dd6310f">Figure 1.16 (a) Mandibular symphysis dorsal view. (b) Mandibular symphysis rostral view showing the mental foramina (arrows). (c) Mental foramina.
Figure 1.17 Temporomandibular joints ventral view: 1. Retroarticular process; 2. Mandibular fossa; 3. Condylar process; 4. Angular process.
Figure 1.18 Lateral aspect of the left temporomandibular joint: 1. Coronoid process; 2. Zygomatic arch; 3. Zygomatic process of the temporal bone; 4. Mandibular ramus; 5. Condylar process; 6. Articular eminence; 7. Tympanic bulla; 8. Mandibular fossa; 9. Retroarticular process; 10. Angular process.
Temporomandibular Joint Nomenclature
Articular disc: A flat structure composed of fibrocartilaginous tissue and positioned between the articular surfaces of the condylar process of the mandible and mandibular fossa of the temporal bone, separating the joint capsule into dorsal and ventral compartments.
Condylectomy (TMJC): Resection of the condylar process of the mandible.
Mandibular condyle: A convex prominence at the end of the condylar process of the mandible that articulates with the mandibular fossa.
Mandibular fossa: A concave depression in the temporal bone that articulates with the mandibular condyle.
Open‐mouth jaw locking (OMJL): Inability to close the mouth due to locking of the coronoid process of the mandible ventrolateral to the ipsilateral zygomatic arch.
Partial coronoidectomy (CORP): Partial removal of the coronoid process of the mandible.
Partial zygomectomy (ZYGP): Partial removal of the zygomatic arch.
Retroarticular process: A projection of the temporal bone that protrudes ventrally from the caudal end of the zygomatic arch and carries part of the mandibular fossa.
Temporomandibular joint: The area where the condylar process of the mandible articulates with the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone.
Temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA): Fusion between the bones forming the temporomandibular joint or those in close proximity, resulting in progressive inability to open the mouth; removal of bone in ankylotic areas is abbreviated as TMJAR.
Temporomandibular joint dysplasia (TMJD): Dysplasia of soft or hard tissues forming the temporomandibular joint.
Temporomandibular joint fracture (TMJFX): Fracture of one or more bony structures forming the temporomandibular joint.
Temporomandibular joint luxation (TMJLUX): Displacement of the condylar process of the mandible; manual or surgical reduction of temporomandibular joint luxation is abbreviated as TMJLUXR.
1.17 Teeth
Normally, there are 26 deciduous and 30 permanent teeth in the cat's oral cavity.
1.17.1 Dental Formula
Dental formulas (upper number indicates the maxillary teeth and the lower number the mandibular teeth) are as follows:
The deciduous dental formula for kittens is 2 × (I3/I3, C1/C1, P3/P2) = 26 teeth.
The permanent dental formula for adult cats is 2 × (I3/I3, C1/C1, P3/P2, M1/M1) = 30 teeth.
All of the incisors and canine teeth have one root. The maxillary second premolar, if present, normally has one root; however, studies have shown nearly 60% of the maxillary second premolars have two (sometimes partially fused) roots. The maxillary third premolar has two roots and the maxillary fourth premolar normally has three roots. The maxillary first molars, are single‐rooted in 35% of the cases, partly fused roots, in 35% of the cases and two roots in approximately 28% of the cases.
Figure 1.19 Cat model demonstrating normal tooth anatomy.
The mandibular cheek teeth in a cat (third and fourth premolars and first molars) normally have two roots Figure 1.19.
Figure 1.20 Modified Triadan system incisor tooth numbering.
1.17.2 Tooth Types
Teeth are categorized by location and form. There are four types of teeth in the cat:
Incisors are small teeth located between the canines. They are used for prehension. Incisors are referred to as right/left, maxillary/mandibular, first, second, and third incisors.
When using the modified Triadan system, right maxillary incisors are numbered 101, 102, and 103 starting from the first incisor, and left maxillary incisors are numbered 201, 202, and 203. The left mandibular incisors are numbered 301, 302, 303, and the right mandibular incisors are 401, 402, 403 (Figure 1.20).
Canines are single‐rooted teeth located rostrally in the mouth caudolateral to the incisors. They are used for piercing and biting. Canines are referred to as right/left, maxillary/mandibular canines. The crowns of the maxillary and mandibular canine teeth have vertical grooves (Figures 1.21 and 1.22).
When using the modified Triadan system, the right and left maxillary canines are numbered 104 and 204, respectively. The root and crown of the maxillary canines help to hold the upper lip outward, so that when the mouth is closed, the coronal tip of the mandibular canine slides into the vestibule without traumatizing the upper lip. The left and right mandibular canines are numbered 304 and 404, respectively (in the modified Triadan system, all the canines end in 4 and first molars in 9) (Figures 1.23–
