Project Details
Projekt
Virtual simulation of equine mastication: How does tooth wear affect physiological and pathological tooth surface geometry and what treatment and prevention strategies can be derived? (EquiSim)
Subject Area
Veterinary Medical Science
Term
since 2024
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 548101387
The project promotes the gain of knowledge about the equine masticatory process. Based on patient data evaluated in separate validation packages (computed tomography, strip light topometry), an existing and already successfully evaluated computer simulation will be further developed and improved so that reliable morphological data can be collected without animal experimental methods. The initial aim of the project is to recreate physiological conditions (occlusal surface geometry, transverse ridges, and grooves). Subsequent model improvements, such as more sophisticated modeling of feeding characteristics, chewing forces and movements, and long time periods (several years) will provide information on the development of typical equine dentition anomalies such as sharp enamel tips, ramps, and hooks, and abnormally high transverse ridges and grooves. In regular workshops, an international panel of experts will discuss and evaluate the results of the project and thus promote the direct transfer of the experimental data into clinical applications. As a result, we expect a significant improvement in understanding the equine masticatory process and a reliable identification of factors leading to typical equine dental anomalies. Consequently, it may be expected that the data obtained will be usable for targeted modifications and improvements of current therapeutic procedures, in the sense of improved dental health of the equine population. The digital models and simulations to be created will be further developed in a satellite project into illustrative training material for the education of veterinarians dedicated to equine dentistry.
DFG Programme
Research Grants
