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)