When dogs break their teeth and expose the pulp chamber (the inside of the tooth containing sensitive nerves and blood vessels), bacteria travels down the tooth and results in root abscesses that are very painful. In order to save the tooth, a root canal needs to be performed. A local nerve block is done before starting the root canal process, to help reduce pain during the procedure when you pet in under anesthesia. Pre root canal radiographs are taken of the tooth. Then all the living tissue is removed from the pulp chamber from access holes made by a high speed drill. The chamber then is sterilized, filled and sealed close. A post root canal radiograph is taken to make sure the root canal was successful. The doctor then shapes the tooth to fit a crown and an impression of the tooth is made to send to a dental lab. The lab makes a crown specifically for your pet’s tooth and usually has it ready within 2 weeks. After a quick crown application, your pet’s tooth is all set to go!
Root Canals
