This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of 3D printing-guided endodontics in the maxillary teeth of dogs. CT data from a Beagle dog were processed to create a 3D model of the maxilla, and virtual root canal pathways were established using SOLIDWORKS software (version 29.0.0.5028). Guided endodontic templates were 3D printed and tested in vitro on 20 maxillary teeth (excluding the third molars), with 36 root canals treated using both guided and conventional methods. Results indicated that 3D printing-guided endodontics provided accurate root canal pathways, with minimal deviations in length (average 3.08 ± 1.75%) and angular alignment (average 2.06° ± 0.5°) compared to conventional methods. This research represents a significant step forward in the application of 3D printing technology in veterinary endodontics, offering a promising alternative to traditional methods for treating complex dental conditions in dogs.

Dental malocclusions are common and often underdiagnosed situations in dogs, which might result in oral trauma, impaired mastication, and periodontal disease. Nevertheless, scientific investigations into breed-specific variations in dentition remain scarce. To evaluate breed-specific dental variations in dogs, a retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 92 clinical canine head computed tomography (CT) scans obtained in Chengdu, China, representing a range of breeds and skull morphologies. Dental alignment and occlusal relationships were calculated using standardized malocclusion classification criteria. As a result, malocclusions were found and identified in 46.7% of dogs. Among them, brachycephalic breeds indicated a high prevalence of malocclusion, with Shiba Inu dogs demonstrating the highest malocclusion rate (66.7%), whereas Golden Retrievers and Akitas showed the lowest prevalence (16.7%). Class I malocclusions characterized by dental crowding were most common (44.19%), followed by Class II malocclusions (overbite) (30.23%), and Class III malocclusions (underbite) (20.93%). Our findings demonstrated a strong association between skull morphology and dental alignment abnormalities.