Hoofstock & Megavertebrate Dentistry & Oral Health Flashcards
1
Q
Discuss the unique dental anatomy of elephants.
A
Tusks - modified incisors - have enamel when they erupt which is quickly shed once it erupts which exposes the dentine (ivory) - can grow 18 cm/year up to 3 feet long and 100 kg in weight
Cheek teeth - Dental formula I 1/0, PM 3/3, M 3/3 - new molars formed in alveolar pockets at back of jaw - composed of compressed plates of enamel-wrapped dentine joined by cemetnum - as teeth push forward, they dissolve their roots and break off
Six sets of molars throughout life
