Dental morphometric investigation on the chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) using a three-dimensional reconstruction model

The aim of this study was to reveal the morphometric characteristics of the teeth of the chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera), which are both kept as pet animals and raised for the economic value of their fur, using three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions created from two-dimensional (2D) multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images and to investigate whether there was a difference between the sexes. A total of 12 chinchillas of both sexes (six males and six females) were used. The teeth reconstructions of the animals were performed with Mimics. 14.1 3D modeling software on the 2D images was taken in the prone position. According to the statistical results of the linear measurement, surface area, and volume values of the teeth obtained from the created model, sexual dimorphism was detected in all the teeth of the chinchilla. It was observed that the mandibular incisors were larger than the maxillary incisors, and the largest maxillary molar was M1 and the largest mandibular was M2. It is considered that the results of the study can contribute to anatomical and clinical research, as well as studies and applications in the field of veterinary dentistry.