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:
- Canine teeth break the most often, requiring root canals.
- Dogs will still eat, even if their tooth is infected.
- Teary eyes, excessive drool and rubbing the muzzle are key signs that a dog's tooth is infected.
- Root canals might also be able to save abscessed and discolored teeth, in addition to fractured teeth, rather than lost through tooth extraction.
- Dogs can have gold, silver, stainless steel or tooth colored crowns.
- Stainless steel crowns are often recommended by veterinarians as the best option for dogs.
- Root canals can be a safer treatment option for fractured teeth that are not normal in size or shape.
- Root canals often cost the same as an extraction because of the size of a dog's tooth.
- Root canals are less painful, quicker and easier than a tooth extraction.
- 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.