Virtual imaging of normal and abnormal tusk structure in wild boar (Sus scrofa L.)

Non invasive virtual imaging of normal and altered wild boar tusks is presented. One pair of lower canines exhibiting growth arrest of traumatic origin and aboral part (starting from fourth premolar) of lower jaw with complete absence of left canine underwent multi-slice computed tomography. Normal tusk structure was represented by multi-slice CT of upper canines and high– resolution micro-computed tomography of one lower jaw. Wild boar tusk represent valuable material for dental pathologists due to their characteristic position and consequent predisposition to injury, enormous reparative potential and most of all due to their long-term preservation as a trophy. However, their value as trophy often reduces the possibility of analysis. On the other hand virtual imaging enables non-invasive visualisation of structural changes, understanding of pathological and reparation processes, measurements of each part of the tooth, as well as removal and close inspection of certain parts and their structure.