Endodontics & Restoration

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Dental techniques used on humans which we can now use on animals:  

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that is used to save teeth.  If the tooth is fractured or damaged and the pulp (blood and nerve supply) within the tooth is irritated, then traditionally in veterinary medicine we would extract it.  For the canines and carnassials (the biggest teeth) within the mouth, the ideal situation is to save the tooth, as these will be used throughout the dog's life for grabbing when playing (canines) and chewing (carnassials).  

Restoration is the repair of damage to the enamel and dentine on the outside of the tooth.  If the enamel is damaged, then the tooth becomes weaker, and bacteria can travel through the dentine into the pulp, leading to infection and abscess. Tooth restoration is what we commonly come across in tooth fillings in people.  

Although many teeth are still extracted, the important teeth in the dogs mouth (canines and carnassials) provide behavioural aids, they are important for chewing and playing, and provide huge amount of strength to the bone, especially in the lower jaw.

We know from humans that a healthy mouth is a happy mouth, but exposed dentine and pulp is incredibly painful when inflamed.  Dogs will carry on eating despite intense discomfort because they have no choice, but you may notice that they eat on one side of the mouth, or once treated become brighter and happier again!

The techniques of endodontics

The tooth pulp is removed using files, after which the chamber is cleaned using various agents, prior to filling.

The chamber is filled with a calcium hydroxide, after which a hard surface is used to cover the tooth and create a smooth surface so the tooth can be used again normally.

Endodontics and Tooth Restoration: when can we use it?

Teeth we would consider treating are those that have fractures, discolouration, or pulp exposure.

Fresh fractures will often appear with a red dot which is the pulp (nerve and blood supply of the tooth).  This is VERY painful.  Dogs cannot go to the dentist of their own accord and therefore will continue to eat, as they have little choice.  We know this is very painful condition in humans, and if you were to probe the red dot in a dog you may well lose your fingers!  

When the pulp becomes necrotic (dead), the dot turns black and there is a channel through the tooth into the bone for bacteria to travel. Abscesses (infection) and bone loss is common.

Treatment: Root Canal Treatment or extraction

Dental Caries:

Rare in dogs, but when they occur, they are painful once the pulp is exposed. Often they are caused by eating sugary treats but they can occur even on good quality dog foods.

Treatment - fillings (just like in people) or if severe possible extraction.

Discoloured Teeth:

This is a very painful inflammation of the pulp (blood and nerve supply in the centre of the tooth) known as pulpitis. The discolouration is due to bleeding into the dentine.

Treatment - root canal treatment or extraction.