About this Research Topic

Background

The oral cavity associated tissues and teeth are essential structures for the health of domestic and wild animals. The integrity of this region is essential for the maintenance of a good nutritional status and quality of life. Oral diseases can impact the systemic health of animals in various ways. In this context, oral care stands out as an excellent therapeutic response; however, it demands a deep knowledge of the oral anatomy and physiology of a wide range of species, foreseeing them as potential patients. Thus, studies that provide species-specific data are of great value in promoting greater safety for animals, since the extrapolation of anatomical references may decrease the rate of injuries during several clinical and surgical approaches.

Veterinary dentistry is configured as one of the specialties with the greatest potential to contribute to animal welfare, and early diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases are essential to reduce patient morbidity and mortality. Therefore, with this Research Topic, our main goal is to reinforce the importance of cranial anatomy and physiology as a basis for comparative studies and improvement of therapeutic approaches in Veterinary Dentistry and Oromaxillofacial Surgery of domestic and wild animals. In addition, we aim to present recent advances related to the application of morphofunctional studies in evolutionary interactions and adaptations, and in areas of routine oral care such as pathology, surgery, and imaging.

We particularly welcome Original Research articles, Review articles, Methods articles (including Case Series with a minimum of 6 cases), and Brief Research Report articles that present and highlight the application and importance of morpho-physiology as a fundamental basis for comparative studies of the skull, oral cavity, teeth, and associated tissues of domestic and wild animals (captive or not). We invite articles with different applied purposes across a broad scope, including, but not limited exclusively to: macroscopic and microscopic anatomy; physiological and functional adaptations (e.g., bite force, and cranial morphometry and conformation); evolution; clinical, surgical, and imaging correlations; pathology and oral care; and innovative therapeutic strategies. All aspects of innovation and improvement in Veterinary Dentistry and Oromaxillofacial Surgery are welcome.

Keywords: Anatomy, Dentistry, Imaging, Mandible, Morphology, Skull

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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