Normal histologic features of domestic ferret periodontium.

The normal histologic features of the periodontal tissues in 17 domestic ferrets (10 male and 7 female) are described. The following teeth were histologically evaluated: canines, the maxillary third premolar (P3), the mandibular fourth premolar (P4), the carnassial teeth (P4 in the maxilla and the first molar, M1, in the mandible) and the next molar after the carnassials (M1 in the maxilla and M2 in the mandible). After histologic preparation for light microscopy, the sections were analyzed at magnifications of x 20 and x 100. The histometric measurements performed were 1) distance between the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and the alveolar bone crest, 2) distance between CEJ and the most coronal connective tissue, 3) root length, 4) width of the periodontal ligament at three different locations along the root surface, and 5) cementum layer thickness at the most apical portion of the root. The number of sections exhibiting root resorption was counted. The results gave the normal values of some common periodontal variables and suggested a possible future use of the domestic ferret as an alternative experimental animal in periodontology.