Minimally traumatic extraction of fractured bilateral maxillary canine teeth using a piezoelectric surgical unit in an African lion (Panthera leo)

Importance: Canine extraction of large carnivores can pose significant risk due to extensive tissue damage during aggressive bone reduction. This report highlights a rare instance in which the use of a piezoelectric surgical unit (PSU) for maxillary canine extraction in a large carnivore resulted in successful outcomes with minimal tissue damage. Case presentation: A 10-year-old male African lion presented with decreased appetite because of bilateral maxillary canine fractures. Intraoral radiographs revealed enlarged root canals and periapical radiolucency of the fractured canines, leading to a diagnosis of periapical periodontitis and pulpitis. To extract the right maxillary canine, conventional method using hand instrument failed to achieve adequate luxation, necessitating the use of the flat blade of the PSU to sever the periodontal ligament. The left maxillary canine was extracted using PSU from the beginning, and the extraction time was markedly shortened by using PSU without additional alveolar bone damage or bleeding. Conclusion and Relevance: This case demonstrated that utilizing PSU for canine extraction in a lion resulted in periodontal ligament separation, reducing damage to the alveolar bone and shortening surgical time. It suggests the promising application of PSU in tooth extraction for large wild animals, indicating its potential significance in veterinary dentistry.