Charleston Pet Root Canal Therapy | Veterinary Dental Care
Root Canal Therapy in Pets
Many animal oral care health concerns can be addressed by going to your regular veterinarian, but when your pet has a complex oral problem or issue, a specialist may be required. Tooth complications and oral surgeries are complex and require a pet oral surgeon. For severe cases or oral surgery treatment, pet owners need the assistance of specialty dental care or a veterinary oral surgeon, like the professionals at Veterinary Dental Care.
When it comes to pets and dental problems, one regularly treated condition is a tooth fracture. When an animal has a tooth fracture, the tooth must either be treated using root canal therapy or extraction. Extraction is preferable for animals with a tooth that is unnecessary, as long as removing it will not affect their nourishment. However, when a tooth is critical to their overall quality of life, root canal therapy is a better option for their long-term health. A root canal can save your animal's tooth and restore their mouth to full function.
The Anatomy of A Pet’s Tooth
The pulp cavity: The root canal or pulp cavity resides in the tooth's center. In it lies the nerves and blood vessels that make the tooth sensitive to pain
The dentin: Underneath the outer layer, or the enamel, is the “dentin,” which is made up of microscopic tubules, or pores.
Enamel: The outermost layer of the tooth is a shiny, white coating called the enamel. It is one of the hardest substances on an animal's body.
The enamel does not have any feeling or sensation. However, if the damage reaches the pulp cavity layer or exposes the dentin, it can lead to severe pain and discomfort.
What are the Reasons a Pet Would Need Root Canal Therapy?
If your pet is more than a year old and has a fractured or cracked tooth, root canal therapy can often treat it. For pets less than a year old, vital pulp therapy or apexification are treatment options, depending on the circumstances.
A fractured tooth might present as:
- A cracked enamel
- Discoloration
- A piece that is missing
- A broken tip
The only way to evaluate the full extent of the tooth damage is via x-ray. There are instances where the pet has damaged the tooth so severely that it may not be a viable candidate for root canal therapy, and tooth extraction is a better choice. Anesthesia is mandatory for root canal therapy, so testing must be done before the procedure to rule out any predisposing health conditions that might put your cat or dog at risk of adverse effects.
What is the Pet Root Canal Procedure?
It is critical that the pulp cavity be treated using several necessary steps:
Dental Cleaning
The first step is to thoroughly clean the nerves and blood vessels that are often either dying or dead due to exposure or trauma.
Disinfection
When the pulp cavity is empty, disinfection is required to remove any microorganisms that can lead to future complications or infection post-procedure.
Reshaping
Rotary drills or files are used to help shape the root canal to ensure that it is filled to cover the nerves and blood vessels.
Filing
A rubber-like, inert, and sterile material conforms to the canal's shape to ensure the pulp cavity is filled and covered.
Sealing Internally
A sealer is applied to the sides of the pulp cavity.
Trust Veterinary Dental Care for All Your Pet's Dental Health Needs in Charleston, SC
Whether your pet needs something more advanced like a root canal or stomatitis treatment or something simpler like a pet dental cleaning in Charleston—Veterinary Dental Care has pet parents covered with a range of oral health and dental services designed to keep your pet's mouth happy and healthy. Contact us today to schedule a dental exam.