Doggie Dentistry-Fillings, Crowns, etc.

Some years ago one of our Bouviers had broken a lower canine. We had a root canal done by a vet who did dentistry as a sideline. It worked perfectly. No crown, though. The vet was in Bridgeton, Maine. Well known in New England. Removing that large canine would have destabilized her jaw.

I won't have a root canal myself. . . wouldn't put my dog through it. I had one. . . it was a breeze, but the tooth kept bothering me. Had to have it redone a year later. Then the real pain started. Almost landed in the ER. When I returned to the endodontist, he prepared to do it a third time. . . OOPS. I said NO WAY. Had it pulled that afternoon. Turns out it was cracked, so nothing anyone did would save that tooth. Expensive lesson.

I hope I never have to have any more dental work. If so, I'm incline to have them all pulled.

Dale

Old-Biscuit wrote:

:B

I had Calvin's lower K-9 done / dental work and crown.

I received Calvin's mold of his teeth. DOC, took photos of before, then after it was shaped prior to placing the crown. I have a thread (my search function isn't working so I couldn't find the thread to post a link) re. his crown. Unfortunately I don't think the photos can be seen due to photobucket's greed.

Pops

We've been on the road today, so sorry for the delay in answering.

No worries!

If it was a canine I think I would sell the house to save a canine.

Not a canine thankfully. They are both back teeth but not molars.

It's not about the money-it's more about results. I spent thousands on our bloodhound but ultimately saved his life. I also can't see putting a dog through a procedure that ultimately may need to be repeated or if it's failure can cause further harm.

Thanks all. Much appreciated.

If it was a canine I think I would sell the house to save a canine.
That is the tooth that holds their tongue in.

My old timer lost the lower canine and it is just awful how he struggles with his tongue not working correctly it upsets him tremendously.

We've been on the road today, so sorry for the delay in answering.

I've referred patients for root canals and crowns. It is pretty unusual that an owner can justify the cost. The one case that I remember was a police dog who needed his canine teeth to do his work. He was impressive with a gold crown.

As far as repairs being successful, you can't really totally prevent a dog from chewing. The forces are incredible and the potential for ruining an expensive repair is ever present.

As far as expense, I'd invite anyone to observe extraction of a "healthy" cracked or broken canine or 4th premolar in a dog. I've had many dentists remark on the comparative difficulty in canine extractions vs human extraction. I recently had a molar removed, it was cracked and the dental surgeon had to remove pieces. Even with that, it was a breeze compared to some I've done.

Doug, DVM

as long as your spending the bucks, why not put a gold crown on?
bumpy

I would have my doubts. Fillings, crowns, etc., are put on weakened teeth. Dogs chew all sorts of things with no concern as to whether "it will damage their teeth". With a weakened tooth, that potential damage will be much greater.

In addition, if a filling or crown fall out, the dog can easily swallow and/or choke on it.

I would just pull the teeth.