Dog Dentistry: 10 Facts About Root Canals

Dog Dentistry: 10 Facts About Root Canals

Advancements in dog dentistry make it possible to save a dog's teeth through modern dental practices like root canals. Root canal therapy is a safe alternative to tooth extraction.

A root canal is necessary when a dog's tooth fractures, allowing bacteria to reach the root of the tooth. Teeth fractures can come from age, infrequent dental care and chewing hard objects like rocks. A tooth that needs a root canal is extremely painful.

Dog root canals are a common dog dentistry procedure. Here are ten things you may not know about root canals:

1. Canine teeth break the most often, requiring root canals.
2. Dogs will still eat, even if their tooth is infected.
3. Teary eyes, excessive drool and rubbing the muzzle are key signs that a dog's tooth is infected.
4. Root canals might also be able to save abscessed and discolored teeth, in addition to fractured teeth, rather than lost through tooth extraction.
5. Dogs can have gold, silver, stainless steel or tooth colored crowns.
6. Stainless steel crowns are often recommended by veterinarians as the best option for dogs.
7. Root canals can be a safer treatment option for fractured teeth that are not normal in size or shape.
8. Root canals often cost the same as an extraction because of the size of a dog's tooth.
9. Root canals are less painful, quicker and easier than a tooth extraction.
10. Dogs (even older dogs) recover from root canals more quickly than a tooth extraction. There is minimal to no post-operative discomfort. Antibiotics are given for only a week to 10 days.