Incisors with malocclusion do not meet properly, and cannot keep each other worn down to proper length. The results can be bizarre, and in some cases even painful if the overgrowing tooth curls back into soft tissues.
As mentioned earlier, some of these rabbits have genetic malocclusion, and the cheek teeth (the rest of the teeth in the back) may be normal. However, others are abnormal due to elongation and malocclusion of the cheek teeth. These conditions need to be carefully distinguished, as one will require additional attention to the abnormal cheek teeth.
Regardless of cause, abnormal incisors need regular treatment to restore the length and shape to as close to normal as possible.
Incisors should be treated with a high speed dental burr while the pet is under very deep sedation or anesthesia. Clipping the teeth of a wide awake rabbit may lead to the following:
1) Shattering of the tooth and creation of fractures below the gumline-this can lead to infection and abscess
2) Injuries to lips or tongue during clipping
If malocclusion is confined to the incisors only, or if cheek teeth are bad as well and incisors are severely abnormal so that the pet needs continual, frequent treatment, then there may be a better solution: extraction!
While this may seem a drastic option, it is routinely performed, and rabbits learn very quickly to manipulation pellets, smaller veggies and even hay into the mouth with their tongue and lips. The only thing rabbits without incisors can’t eat are larger chunks of food, grass and weeds growing outdoors….and electrical wires and the furniture.