Tomographic and 3-dimensional imaging of the larger recurved caniniform teeth on the jawbone of Caprodon schlegelii.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to characterize the 3-dimensional morphology of larger recurved caniniform teeth (LrCTs) and their underlying intraosseous structures in Caprodon schlegelii.

Methods: Specimens (n = 5) with a total length of approximately 32 cm were fixed and processed for micro-computed tomography and/or stereomicroscopy. Volume data of the LrCT-bearing jaws were examined using volume rendering images.

Results: The LrCTs were identified in six locations on the jawbones: anteriorly, a pair of LrCTs in each of the jaw quadrants, and posteriorly, tandemly aligned rows of LrCTs in the dentary bones. In both cases, two adjacent LrCTs were in different stages of tooth life, namely, developmental and functional stages. Large intraosseous chambers contained the tooth germ area or were connected to the pulp of the overlying LrCTs. In the lower jaw, the chambers beneath the anterior and posterior LrCTs were connected to the canal systems, which were distributed in the lower and upper halves of the dentary bone, respectively.

Conclusion: The presence of LrCTs in six different locations on the jaws is a distinguishing feature of C. schlegelii, and a balanced replacement between developing and functional LrCTs is likely to ensure the mode and behavior of feeding in this species.