Crown height
reduction can often be curative in the beginning stages of dental disease when accompanied by diet correction and other preventive measures.1 — 3 However, in cases of
moderate to severe dental disease, crown height
reduction procedures will need to be performed repeatedly.1 - 3 Overgrown incisors or cheek teeth should be trimmed using a dental bur or trimming forceps (FIGURE 6A) designed specifically for crown
reduction.1 - 3 Nail trimmers, rongeurs, and other manual cutting tools should never be used to perform crown height
reduction.2, 3 Root damage, tooth fractures or splinters, and abnormal regrowth are likely to occur when using improper equipment.2, 3 Crown
reduction performed without sedation or anesthesia is difficult and often done blindly, resulting in missed sharp points or spurs and injury to the gums, cheeks, or tongue.1 - 3 Rabbits with
moderate to severe dental disease should be anesthetized, allowing crown
reduction and reshaping to be performed with a low -
speed dental bur while protecting soft tissues with bur guards and dental spatulas.1 — 3 (FIGURE 6B)